Lumbar spinal fusion surgery is designed to permanently connect two or more vertebrae in your lower back to stop painful motion between vertebrae by “fusing” them together. Most commonly, this type of surgery is performed to alleviate the pain and disability caused by conditions such as degenerative disc disease or spondylolisthesis, although it can also be used to strengthen a weak or unstable lumbar spine, fractures, scoliosis, or deformity.

The Procedure

There are many different approaches to lumbar and all involve techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones. During your lumbar spinal fusion, your BSSNY surgeon places a bone graft or bone-like material within the space between two lumbar vertebrae. Metal plates, screws, and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together so they can heal as one solid unit.