Spinal Fusion: Posterior Lumbar
Fusing vertebrae in the lumbar spine may help ease lower back and leg pain. Posterior lumbar fusion is done through an incision in your back. A bone graft is put between the vertebrae. Depending on how many vertebrae are fused, the surgery may take from 3 to 8 hours.
Fusing the transverse processes
Fusion has several steps:
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Bone graft is packed between the transverse processes (“wings”) on the sides of the vertebrae.
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To help keep your spine steady and promote fusion, extra support may be used. This may be metal screws and rods. Sometimes, bone cement is added around the screws.
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A wound drain is often placed and left in for a few days.
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The incision is closed with stitches or staples.
Fusing the disk space
This involves the following:
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An incision is made in the middle of or on each side of your spine.
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The disk between the vertebrae is removed.
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A bone graft is placed in the now-empty disk space between the vertebrae. In time, the graft and the bone around it grow into a solid unit.
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To help keep your spine steady and promote fusion, metal screws and rods may be placed to provide extra support and promote healing. Sometimes, bone cement is added around the screws.
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A wound drain is often placed and left in for a few days.
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The incision is then closed with stitches or staples.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Jasmin, Luc, MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Sather, Rita, RN
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2018
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