Our Summary

This study looked at how successful a specific surgical operation was for treating severe spinal deformities in adults. The operation involves fusing parts of the spine together, and it’s important that the fusing process works properly to keep the spine aligned correctly. The researchers looked at X-rays from 162 patients who had this operation, checking them at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 2 years after their surgeries. They found that about 70% of the patients had good fusion of the entire lower back area by the 2-year mark. The rates of successful fusion for each segment of the lower spine were also pretty high, ranging from 82% to nearly 90%. The most common problem they found was screws becoming loose, and some patients also had issues with the rods used in the operation breaking, especially at the 2-year follow-up. Overall, they concluded that this surgical procedure shows promising results for treating severe spinal deformities in adults.

FAQs

  1. What was the success rate of the lumbar fusion operation according to this study?
  2. What were the common problems encountered by patients after the lumbar fusion operation?
  3. How long did it take for the patients to achieve good fusion of the entire lower back area post-operation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about lumbar fusion is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding heavy lifting and bending at the waist to prevent complications like screws becoming loose or rods breaking. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and proper nutrition can help support the healing process after lumbar fusion surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lumbar fusion surgery are those who have severe spinal deformities, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, that are causing significant pain and/or neurological symptoms. These patients may have tried other non-surgical treatments without success and are experiencing difficulty with daily activities due to their spinal condition. Additionally, patients who have degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis that is not responding to conservative treatments may also be candidates for lumbar fusion surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with a spine specialist to determine if lumbar fusion is the best course of action for them.

Timeline

  • Before lumbar fusion:
  1. Patient experiences chronic back pain, leg pain, numbness, and weakness that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and injections.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as x-rays, MRI, and CT scans to diagnose the cause of their symptoms and determine if lumbar fusion is necessary.
  3. Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives of lumbar fusion surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery.
  5. Patient undergoes lumbar fusion surgery, which involves fusing together two or more vertebrae in the lower back to stabilize the spine and relieve symptoms.
  6. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days after surgery for monitoring and pain management.
  • After lumbar fusion:
  1. Patient experiences post-operative pain and discomfort, which is managed with pain medication and physical therapy.
  2. Patient begins a rehabilitation program to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the lower back and legs.
  3. Patient follows up with their surgeon for post-operative appointments and imaging tests to monitor the fusion process and check for any complications.
  4. Patient gradually returns to normal activities and may be able to resume work and exercise after several weeks to months of recovery.
  5. Patient continues to monitor their symptoms and follow up with their surgeon for long-term management of their spine condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different types of lumbar fusion procedures available and which one do you recommend for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lumbar fusion surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after lumbar fusion surgery?
  4. How successful is lumbar fusion surgery in terms of relieving pain and improving function?
  5. What can I do to maximize the success of the fusion process after surgery?
  6. How long do the fusion results typically last and are there any long-term considerations I should be aware of?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for lumbar fusion surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments and imaging tests to monitor the fusion process?
  9. What are the signs and symptoms of potential complications after surgery that I should watch out for?
  10. Can you provide me with any patient resources or support groups for individuals who have undergone lumbar fusion surgery?

Reference

Authors: Shimizu T, Lenke LG, Cerpa M, Beauchamp EC, Carreon LY, Shaffrey CI, Cheung KMC, Fehlings MG. Journal: Clin Spine Surg. 2020 Dec;33(10):E545-E552. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001008. PMID: 32467441