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I am contemplating S1-L5 lumbar fusion. Outcomes thoughts
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 15 10:41am | Replies (47)Comment receiving replies
Mary I take it you had fusion surgery. Which vertebra were fused?
The stiffness you describe is what scares me about fusion. I've avoided it by 1) having a laminotomy at S1/L5/L4 10 years ago to reduce stenosis and ease pressure on my sciatica and to remove a ruptured disc fragment, and 2) working on my core muscles every day and keeping my weight down. So far, so good.
I have a new surgeon now, and he has encouraged me to stick with the core work. I have stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative discs and vertebra, and some lumbar vertebra that slide over the vertebra below, I forget what that is called. It's a mess and he said if he had to operate, I'd have to have at least two vertebra fused.
I'm not afraid of orthopedic surgery - I've had both knees replaced with great success and my shoulder is next. But spinal fusion just scares me. Maybe the techniques now are better than the past.
Anyway, I wish you all the best. Joe
Replies to "Mary I take it you had fusion surgery. Which vertebra were fused? The stiffness you describe..."
Hi all fellow spine surgery candidates!
7 orthopod said lamonectomy and fusion. I have extreme stenosis L345 and spondolothesis ( 2slipped discs)
Recommended to a neural surgeon who was willing to meet my request for no fusion. He responded and said he was thinking hemilamanotomy !
This procedure spares the vertebrae structure, much faster recovery, less hospital time, less blood loss, less procedural errors/problems and almost same 1 yr, 2 yr 5-10year patient satisfaction, reduced lower back pain and neurogenic claudation.
This is the way I plan on going.
Having read the studies I’m convinced either way you have 10-15% revisions or additional treatments. Neither is perfect however one is minimally invasive and 4-6 weeks full recovery. Fusion is 6 months to a year for recovery.
Less is more regardless of the 2 slipped discs.
Good luck.
You must do your homework, neurosurgeons are much more skilled with nerve systems.
Tony 78
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Hi Joe,
If working on your core muscles is doing you good, why choose surgery? Surgery should be the last resort and most people choose surgery because of the unberable pain. I had a L5-S1 fusion and my pain was resolved. As for the stiffness, I suffer some but I have no pain. Life is about compromise 🙂