A posterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion can be performed for a variety of lumbar spine conditions including herniated discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, scoliosis and lumbar radiculopathy (nerve root injury).

The surgery is divided into three basic steps:
1. Taking the pressure off the nerves and spinal cord,
2. Fusion of vertebrae with bone graft,
3. Stabilization of the fusion with metal rods and screws.

PROCEDURE

The surgery is performed through a midline skin incision in the back of the lumbar spine. The pressure on nerves can also be relieved by removing bone from the back portion of the spinal canal (laminectomy) with microsurgical instruments. Bone graft is placed in the back of the lumbar vertebrae which will help the bones fuse (heal) together with time. Metal rods and screws are placed in the bones to stabilize the spine during the fusion (healing) process. A surgical drain will be inserted and removed 1-2 days after surgery. The skin is closed with dissolvable sutures and sterile superglue. Most patients require a back brace for 6-12 weeks after surgery.