Might additional fusion be required?
Your doctor will be able to tell you what outcome is expected in your case.
Spinal fusion surgery is typically a successful procedure. Statistically, a fusion is obtained in 70% to 90% of cases, patients with single-level disc pathology having a better chance for a positive outcome, than patients with multiple degenerated discs.
Most patients who decided to undergo this procedure in our hospital have been discharged with a positive prognosis and managed to obtain the desired outcome. However, it is possible not to obtain a solid fusion following ALIF. If fusion isn’t achieved, the patient might require another surgery. Spinal fusion is typically an efficient procedure for fractures, deformities, instability or fractures of the spine.
Immobilizing a section of the spine places extra stress and strain around the fused portion in some cases leading to the degeneration of those areas of the spine, requiring additional spinal fusion.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
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Neel Anand
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Sam Bakshian
M.D.
Eli Baron
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Robert S. Bray
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David Chang
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Jae Chon
M.D.
William Dillin
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John Regan
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David Rogers
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Grant D. Shifflett
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Robert Watkins III
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Robert Watkins IV
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Christopher Wolf
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Albert Wong
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Sasan Yadegar
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Related Questions About Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
For patients that have sedentary jobs, a minimally invasive back surgery would allow the patient to begin working part-time in 1-2 weeks. For a bigger surgery such as fusion, it may take up to 6 weeks.
See full answerUsually, walking up and down the stairs after surgery is not a problem. Your surgeon will probably want you to limit your bending, lifting and twisting, however, to allow the fusion to heal properly. You will be given additional instructions and guidelines before and after your spine surgery to ensure a good recovery.
See full answerIn some cases it may take weeks or months, perhaps even a year for post-surgical numbness to disappear. If you still experience this numbness after a year, it is probably permanent. This is a subject you may want to discuss further with your physician.
See full answerEach type of back surgery comes with its own risks and benefits, with spinal fusion being the most commonly performed. The chance of success depends on your specific problem, your health, your medical history and your everyday habits.
See full answerAny surgery entails a number of risks. Before you are discharged, we will make sure you are on the right path to recovering and we will provide you with all the necessary indications to help you minimize these risks.
See full answerThere are certain instances when patients don’t qualify for this procedure. We will perform the necessary tests to make sure this is not your case before we decide to proceed with artificial disc replacement.
See full answerThis is one of the most frequent questions patients have before undergoing artificial disc replacement.
See full answerOur medical staff will carefully explain to you all the details regarding the expenses incurred by this surgery.
See full answerAfter any type of intervention, it is normal to feel differently. You will have limited mobility and some degree of pain or discomfort.
See full answerKyphoplasty is not a suitable treatment option for every patient. This procedure has its contraindications and your doctor will tell you more about them during your first meeting.
See full answerYour doctor will tell you what aftercare recommendations are necessary after this surgery.
See full answerYour doctor will be able to tell you what outcome is expected in your case.
See full answerPain and discomfort are normal effects of any surgery. Based on how intense your pain is, we will provide you with the necessary treatment to manage it.
See full answerYour doctor will tell you what symptoms you should look out for as they might indicate that you are at risk of developing complications.
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