Traditional Lumbar Fusion

Lower back (lumbar) pain symptoms include pain when lifting, bending, standing or sitting and comes with muscle weakness in the legs, unsteadiness, numbness/tingling in legs and possible loss of bowel or bladder function. A Lumbar fusion can be performed using the traditional open technique.

How Does this Procedure Work?

With an open posterior spinal fusion surgery, Dr. Raskas will make a 3 to 6-inch incision in the middle of the back and perform a laminectomy (removal of the lamina) exposing the spinal canal. Once he removes the disc and disc material from between the vertebrae, he will fill the gap with a device graft and add metal screws and plates for additional stabilization. With an anterior approach, he will make a 3 to 5-inch incision on the left side or midline of the abdomen and retract the abdominal muscles to the side allowing access and removal of the disc and any disc debris that may be pushing on the nerves and spinal cord. A graft will be placed in the space that remains between the vertebrae.

Because every patient is unique and treatment options range from minimally invasive back surgery to advanced surgical procedures, recovery varies greatly among his patients and is dependent on the extent of your surgery, age and health.

For more information about a Traditional Lumbar Fusion Surgery or other spinal surgery options to treat back pain, contact Dr. David S. Raskas at call 314-442-4452.

Call Now: (314) 442-4452