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What are people's experiences with spinal fusion surgery?
Spine Health | Last Active: Jun 4 6:30pm | Replies (263)Comment receiving replies
I had fusion of my L3/4 & L4/5, with Dr Phillip J Orisek in Sacramento. He does a LLIF it is a
minimally invasive procedure Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a method of spine surgery in which the lumbar spine is approached through the patient's side. With the use of x-ray imaging, this procedure allows for dilation through the psoas muscle in a muscle splitting approach rather than approaching the spine anteriorly (through the abdomen) or posteriorly (through the back). Anterior (ALIF) and Posterior (PLIF/TLIF) approaches would require a larger incision with more muscle, bone and ligament disruption.
You are not alone in your pain and this should save you from some of it !
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Replies to "I had fusion of my L3/4 & L4/5, with Dr Phillip J Orisek in Sacramento. He..."
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I am adding to my previous two postings.
My first fusion [L5 - L4] was the traditional posterior approach.
Result: 4 pedical screws / two rods / bone graft from my hip.
Greater recovery time / much more pain / but very successful.
My recent Fusion [L4 - L3] was LLIF - side at waist.
Cage with bone graft and side plate / two screws.
Much less invasive - less pain and I am 5 weeks in recovery and
actually feel quite well - no more "opioids" - only Lyrica for nerve pain.
Thank you - I hope this helps. @peterpaul