@pais I'm so sorry to hear about all the past surgeries. It's disappointing to think each one was supposed to help and now your husband is facing a major fusion. I spent 2025 searching for an Orthopedic physician who could explain and treat my lumbar and left hip pain. After countless PT sessions, steroid injections and Chiropractic care, I was ready to give up. The pain was so bad and I was bent over like I was 90 (in 60s) and using a wheelchair. I stumbled across an article about a neurosurgeon in my area. He had great reviews! At my appointment with my X-rays, he explained that the only procedure that would fix my spinal issue was an anterior (front of the body) and posterior (backside) L4-L5 Spinal Fusion with an allograft. He was recommending a major and scary surgery...but I liked him instantly and was in severe pain, so I agreed to the surgery. The Fusion went very well per my neurosurgeon with staples in a horizontal incision below my belly button and a second vertical incision on my lower back also with staples. I was in a lumbar back brace and on a walker for about 8 weeks, with follow up appointments scheduled regularly. I can't take pain medication due to multiple allergies and fortunately didn't need any. I would suggest, however that you make sure some type of anticoagulation is prescribed so you don't develop a DVT or clot anywhere else which is likely when you're recovering and limited with your activity level. Today over 1 year later, all my back and hip pain is gone and my xrays show that the Titanium cage is in place. This surgery was a complete success. Wishing the best for you as well.