Lumbar arthrodesis is a procedure that can be used to relieve certain types of back pain when other treatments have failed. Nowadays, because there are new ways to perform this surgery using minimally invasive techniques, the patient’s recovery process is much faster and easier than in the past.
Instrumented lumbar arthrodesis, or lumbar fusion, is also known as spine surgery with screws.
One of the most frequent concerns patients have about this surgery is what the recovery will be like.
Will it be painful? Are there things you shouldn’t do after this surgery? How long will you need to take off from work? Can there be any secondary effects? These are some of the most commonly asked questions.
In general, patients find the recovery from this type of spine surgery, both during the initial postoperative days in the hospital, as well as the continued recovery time at home, to be quite tolerable. Although the complete process may take several months, patients usually find the experience bearable.
In the next few paragraphs, we provide a detailed explanation of what you can generally expect in recovery from this surgery.
What is lumbar arthrodesis?
Before addressing the topic of recovery from this spine surgery, it’s important to understand the surgical procedure itself.
Spinal arthrodesis or spinal fusion is a surgery performed in order to immobilize two (or more) vertebrae.
This allows the vertebrae to eventually bond to each other definitively, and with that, the pain that was caused by the movement of these joints, is relieved.
In this surgery, the surgeon inserts a bone graft (which facilitates the eventual fusion of the bones), and some immobilizing element (plates, rods, screws) to hold everything in place.
The screws ensure that the graft remains stable, and prevents movement of the vertebrae until the bone fusion is completed.
Various techniques can be used to perform spinal fusion surgery, including some methods that are minimally invasive.
Thanks to these minimally invasive techniques, nowadays, patient recovery from spinal fusion surgery can be much faster and easier.
When is spinal fusion surgery used?
Spinal arthrodesis, or fusion surgery, may be recommended in various circumstances.
As a general rule, before resorting to fusion surgery, patients should first try conservative treatments, including pain-relief medication, reducing body weight, and physical therapy.
If these treatments are not successful, there are intermediate-level treatments, such as spinal infiltrations or rhizolysis, which can be considered if the pain is not caused by a compressed nerve.
Instrumented fusion surgery, also referred to as spine surgery with screws is the next step if the previous conservative measures are not effective, and the back pain or pain in the lower limbs is severe and incapacitating.
Conditions for which spinal arthrodesis is indicated include:
Vertebral fractures
Arthrodesis is performed when there is a vertebral fracture producing instability of the affected vertebra.
Such a fracture can occur due to injury (for example, a traffic accident), or spontaneous causes (osteoporosis).
Spinal instability
Conditions such as spondylolisthesis (vertebral displacement) can also cause spinal instability.
Spinal instability may also occur as the result an oncological surgery in which part of the spine has had to be resected, or when an infection of the vertebrae compromises the supporting elements of the spine.
In both cases, spinal fusion is usually the surgery of choice.
Degenerative spine disease
Degenerative spine diseases may also require lumbar fusion. Among them, lumbar canal stenosis, recurrent lumbar hernias or severe lumbar scoliosis.
Postoperative recovery from instrumented spinal fusion surgery
The patient will usually stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days after spinal fusion surgery.
Recovery time depends on the type of spinal surgery, the number of vertebrae operated on and how each particular patient progresses.
One of the clear guidelines for postoperative recovery from this surgery is to get the patient up and walking. In all cases, the patient can expect to walk within a few hours after the surgery.
During the hospital stay, it is recommended that the patient continue to walk a bit every day. Depending on the specific patient’s case, a back brace may be prescribed for additional support of the spine.
The patient will also be attended by physical therapists specialized in the spine.
Recovery period at home after spinal fusion surgery
At Instituto Clavel, we continue to support our patients after they leave the hospital though our patient Preparation, Empowerment and Recovery program.
This program is based on specific protocols intended to facilitate the recovery process.
These protocols include guidelines for the patient’s recovery at home, healthy habits to follow, sessions of physical therapy, and scheduled follow-up visits. Our patients also receive guidelines regarding exercise and physical activity after lumbar fusion surgery.
Full recovery from this surgery can take up to 6 months. Usually, by this time we can see if the goal of the operation, complete vertebral fusion, has been achieved.
During this 6-month recovery period, the patient should refrain from activities that require intense physical effort, and certain movements that can interfere with the bone fusion process.
Walking, however, will continue to be beneficial and will be part of the recovery process.
Keeping these recommendations in mind, most people can expect to return to work and normal daily activity within 8 to 12 weeks after the surgery.
It is important to point out that smoking, obesity, excessive physical activity, or postoperative infections can negatively affect the result of the operation.
Lumbar fusion surgery and physically demanding labor
In some cases, there are jobs that require adaptation to the patient’s situation after having lumbar fusion surgery.
This will need to be assessed on an individual basis. However, certain kinds of work can be challenging for those who have undergone lumbar fusion surgery.
For example, jobs that require heavy lifting, strained or uncomfortable postures, intense physical activity, or jobs that require standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Also, any job in which the spine is subjected to vibration and repetitive movements or which involve a high risk of injury or falling.
Are spinal fusion screws permanent?
Yes, spinal fusion screws are usually permanent.
In certain circumstances, removal of the screws may be considered after complete fusion of the vertebrae has been achieved. For example, in cases of fractures in young people, or in cases of very thin people when there is discomfort caused by the screws.
Will the screws beep in an airport scanner?
No, the screws will not beep when you go through an airport security scanner.
Instituto Clavel, specialists in instrumented lumbar arthrodesis
At Instituto Clavel, we have a team of expert neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons specialized in spine surgery.
Thanks to our experienced surgeons, and the state-of-the-art surgical technology we use, at Instituto Clavel lumbar arthrodesis is a minimally invasive procedure with a high success rate.
Patients get relief from back pain, and find their quality of life significantly improved.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about this operation, we encourage you to make an appointment with our team.
Dr. Iván Zabaleta Carvajal
Neurosurgeon
Specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery. Cranial and brain surgery. Hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation.
Categories: Spine pathologies