Spinal Fusion: Anterior Lumbar
Fusing vertebrae in the lumbar curve may help ease lower back and leg pain. Anterior lumbar fusion is done through an incision in your stomach area. Depending on how many vertebrae are fused, the surgery may take from 3 to 8 hours.
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| Lumbar vertebrae |
The Fusion Procedure
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The disk is removed from between the vertebrae to be fused.
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Bone graft is packed into the now-empty space between the vertebrae. In time, the graft and the bone around it grow into one solid unit.
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To help keep your spine steady and promote fusion, extra support (see below) may be used.
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The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
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| The disk between the vertebrae is removed. |
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| Bone graft is packed into the now-empty space between the vertebrae. |
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| Over several months, the bone graft and vertebrae fuse into a solid unit. |
If Extra Support Is Needed
Metal supports called instrumentation may be used to help steady your spine while it fuses. These supports are not removed. Your surgeon may use one or more types of support. The most common type of support used with anterior lumbar fusion is a cage.
Publication Source:
Aminoff MJ, Cecil medicine, 23rd ed., Chapter 423 – Mechanical and other lesions of the spine, nerve roots and spinal cord, 2007, pp 2646-2659
Online Source:
U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), National Guideline Clearinghouse (NGC), Rockville, MD
http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?ss=15&doc_id=4210&nbr=3218
Online Medical Reviewer:
Bhattacharyya, Tim MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002