Understanding surgeon speak and the different approaches to fusion

Posted by annie1 @annie1, Oct 14 12:41am

I have consulted many surgeons because I have serious concerns about having fusion since I have osteoporosis. I found out there are at least four types of fusion and I would like to understand them better and what would be the best for me. Can someone elucidate on TLIF, ALIF and XLIF ?

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htolan | @htolan | Oct 26 8:26am

I’m having some issues from the surgery that are probably due to my age, 72. Other than that, I am doing quite well at 2 months. I have the usual restrictions, don’t bend, don’t twist and don’t lift over 8 pounds, but I am quite pleased with my progress.

Retep51 | @peter51f | Oct 26 9:24pm

I had the same problem with my pain med doctor. I did not understand half of what he was saying.
I did 2 things.
1- I talked to the PA for my doctor. She was excellent in explaining the options I had and what the doctor would do in the surgery to correct them. If your doctor has a PA or APRN make an appointment with them
2- I went on the patient portal and downloaded his summary of my problem and solutions. Yes it was mostly medical terms but I went on line and looked up just about every word.

hope that helps you

annie1 | @annie1 | 1 day ago

In reply to @jenatsky "@annie1 you should trust your surgeon and if you don’t feel comfortable with them find one..." + (show)

@jenatsky
This thread is a bit old, but I will look up that Doctor a Northwestern. There are risks to having fusion with osteoporosis. One surgeon told me he was wary of working with me but others haven't. Were you on medication for Osteoporosis for a few months before the surgery ?

jenatsky | @jenatsky | 23 hours ago

I had my surgery in 1990 after falling in 1988. I was much younger and it was doubtful I had OP at the time. I’ve been offered to switch my stainless steel bars for titanium but at 73 without a need I’m not doing surgery again.