Common Indications for Lumbar Fusion: When Surgery Is Recommended

Lumbar pain occurs in the lower part of your back and spine. When you see someone holding their lower back, it is most likely due to a lumbar issue. In some cases, the pain can subside with exercise and non-invasive therapies, but sometimes surgery is the next logical step for relief. Learn the common indications for your doctor that your current back and spine condition may require lumbar fusion surgery with Dr. Craig Callewart in Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX.

Why Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

A lumbar fusion procedure involves the connection of vertebrae to improve the stability and strength of your back and spinal column. Common back conditions that may require lumbar fusion surgery include:

• Bone fractures due to injury.
• Spondylolisthesis (an abnormality of the vertebrae).
• Scoliosis.
• Herniated disc.
• Bertolotti’s syndrome.
• Degenerative disc disease.

When Is This Surgery Recommended?

Doctors usually prefer to explore minimally invasive solutions for lumbar problems, such as steroid injections and physical therapy, but surgery may be the necessary solution in cases that are difficult to resolve. Your Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX back doctor may recommend lumbar fusion surgery when those other options have been exhausted and the condition of the tissues and vertebrae have continued to degrade despite traditional non-invasive therapy. If the condition is congenital, as is the case with Bertolotti’s syndrome, and has continued to worsen since childhood, it is more likely that fusion surgery will be the recommended solution.

Types of Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Your doctor will discuss the various options for lumbar fusion surgery with you prior to scheduling the procedure. Common types include:

• Posterior fusion (bone grafting at the back).
• Posterolateral fusion (bone grafting on the sides and back).
• Lumbar interbody fusion (installation of an implant to fuse the vertebrae and may include minimally invasive options).

Schedule a Back and Spine Consultation

If after an examination and consultation, your doctor recommends lumbar fusion surgery, you can relax knowing you’ll be in good hands with Dr. Craig Callewart in Dallas, Rockwall, & Forney, TX. Call (214) 271-4585 today to set a date for your initial evaluation.