Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery
What is a lumbar fusion?
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae together using bone graft material, hardware like rods and screws, or a combination of both. Over time, the bones grow together and eliminate motion at that segment. This is especially effective when instability, deformity, or degenerative disc disease is driving a patient’s symptoms.
Spinal fusion mimics the normal healing process of broken bones.
Reshape the spine
Spinal fusion can help correct problems with the way the spine is formed. An example is when the spine curves sideways, also known as scoliosis.
Spinal weakness or instability
Too much motion between two spinal bones can make the spine unstable. This is a common side effect of severe arthritis in the spine. Spinal fusion can make the spine more stable.
Damaged disk
Spinal fusion might be used to stabilize the spine after a damaged disk is removed.
When Fusion Is the Right Choice
Fusion is generally indicated when the spine is unstable, meaning the vertebrae are moving in ways they should not. Conditions like spondylolisthesis, severe degenerative disc disease, or recurrent disc herniation may call for fusion because decompression alone would leave the underlying structural problem unaddressed. In some cases, surgeons perform a combined procedure: decompressing the nerve first and then fusing the affected segment to prevent future instability.
Dr. Morales and orthopedic team uses minimally invasive spine surgery techniques whenever possible during fusion procedures, which allows for smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and a more predictable recovery.
ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) is one of the most commonly performed fusion procedures at our practice, though lumbar fusion is equally well within our scope of care.
Make an appointment
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To have easier communication with specialist please provide the following information by email:
- A small narrative from the patient telling his/hers story and symptoms
- Copies of the most recent medical reports
- Copies of imaging reports (x-Rays, CT scans, ultrasound and/ or MRI’s, etc)
- Images of the affected area
- (For visitors ) Possible dates you can travel to Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit
