Lumbar Spinal Fusion (Spinal Fusion Surgery)
Lumbar spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae with bone graft and often metal implants to treat lumbar spinal instability—commonly from degenerative spondylolisthesis—when non-operative care fails. Surgeons may combine fusion with decompression (for example TLIF or PLIF) to relieve nerve compression and restore spinal alignment.
Lumbar Spinal Fusion (Spinal Fusion Surgery)
Lumbar spinal fusion permanently joins two or more vertebrae with bone graft and often metal implants to treat lumbar spinal instability—commonly from degenerative spondylolisthesis—when non-operative care fails. Surgeons may combine fusion with decompression (for example TLIF or PLIF) to relieve nerve compression and restore spinal alignment.
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Symptoms and Signs of Lumbar Spinal Fusion (Spinal Fusion Surgery)
Lumbar spinal instability often causes progressive leg symptoms during walking or standing—sometimes called mechanical back pain with radiculopathy. When symptoms limit daily function or threaten nerve function despite physical therapy, injections, and medicines, lumbar spinal fusion may be recommended to decompress the nerves.
- Leg pain, heaviness, cramping, or fatigue that worsens with walking or prolonged standing and often improves with sitting or bending forward (shopping-cart sign).
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the buttocks, thighs, legs, or feet.
- Weakness in the legs or feet, difficulty climbing stairs, or foot drop in more severe cases.
- Lower back pain, which may be present but is often less disabling than leg symptoms.
- Reduced walking distance and need for frequent rest breaks during daily activities.
- Bladder or bowel changes or saddle anesthesia—these are rare but urgent red flags requiring immediate evaluation.