PLIF-multiple levels range of motion after

Posted by gliebisch01 @gliebisch01, Dec 6, 2023

I am 73 yrs old and had L5-S1 PLIF fusion 18 months ago. Now, due to progressive deterioration, I have pain originating near L1, so am a candidate for multi level PLIF from L5 to T11, (spanning 6 vertebrae, removing old hardware). I know my range of motion will be reduced. I am wondering about activities (after 1+ years of recovery time) like swinging a golf club/tennis/pickleball/bicycle riding. I no longer play these but it's just the kind of motion I'm asking about for the sake of this question. What about driving, in situation where, as an example you turn to check for traffic entering a freeway ramp? Do you feel in a straight jacket all the time?

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Dec 6, 2023

@gliebisch01 I thought you might be interested in this discussion with another member, @sassytwo who was asking similar questions of what it would be like to have spine surgery and how changes in motion ability would affect an active lifestyle after a multilevel lumbar fusion. An extensive fusion like this would be a big change in the spine's ability to move normally.

Spine Health - "Doc recommends spinal fusion from T12 - S1"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/doc-recommends-spinal-fusion-from-t12-s1/
I am a cervical spine fusion patient with a single level C5/C6 fused. This does not affect my head turning at all because most of that is done by C1 & C2 with some help from C3 & C4. In checking traffic for changing lanes to look behind in the blind spot, I do not have difficulty. I know twisting the low back is also involved with this. It is a question for a surgeon, but if you imagine this, loosing all the twisting ability of the lumbar spine would limit the ability to rotate the entire body. There is a slight twisting ability in the thoracic spine that seems very limited because of ribs attached compared to the lumbar spine's ability.

I don't want to do any activities that jar my spine and put wear and tear on other levels. When you have a fusion, those forces are just transferred to other moving spine levels. I don't want to do activities like bike riding, jogging, etc.

Jennifer

hodinator Robert Hodes | @hodinator | Dec 16, 2023

I was originally slated by one surgeon for laminectomy and fusion from my C2 through C7. I did not feel comfortable with this surgeon or his practice and I passed. Months later, I found a surgeon in New Orleans through Mayo. I believe he was going to do the C3 through C7 but he stopped at the C6. I am 8 months into recovery and will be continuing PT and OT for four more months. Because of the way he did the surgery I have excellent range of motion in my neck above the C3. The four levels of laminectomy and fusion are now one solid piece that doesn't move at all. My surgery was done to stop further degeneration of already serious myelopathy. I am walking now without a cane. The work they are planning to do on you seems so extensive, but I guess your surgeon feels that it's necessary. From my limited experience, want something is fused, it's fused. I also would avoid any movements that could have a negative effect. As you probably already know, physical therapists will help you learn what you can and cannot do. I applaud your courage to proceed despite another year of recovery and all the hard work on the horizon.