What is lumbar arthrodesis?
Lumbar arthrodesis is a surgical procedure that aims to fuse two vertebrae in the lumbar region permanently, so that there is no movement between them. It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Why is lumbar arthrodesis performed?
This surgery is recommended for the treatment of fractures, instability due to degenerative disease, tumors and other ailments that prevent the spine from remaining stable. It is the last hopeful measure when other treatments, such as braces, massages, postural improvement measures, anti-inflammatories and the acquisition of an adequate weight have not been successful.
What does lumbar arthrodesis consist of?
It consists of the fixation of the lumbar spine by means of the patient’s own bone grafts that are placed with the help of metallic implants, among which pedicle screws stand out. It is a delicate surgery that usually lasts from four to six hours.
Preparation for lumbar arthrodesis
During the days prior to the operation, it is recommended to
- Not to smoke
- Do not take drugs that hinder blood clotting.
- Inform the specialist if you have recently drunk a lot of alcohol and of any cold, fever, flu, herpes outbreak, among other diseases you have had.
On the day of the intervention, it is advised:
- Do not drink or eat for six to twelve hours before surgery.
- Take the drugs recommended by the specialist
Care after surgery
When waking up from anesthesia, you may feel some lumbar pain, which is less intense if the surgery is minimally invasive. The next day, you can start walking, probably needing some painkillers. Two or three days after the operation you can leave the hospital.
Once you return home, the advice to follow is:
- Do not drive for two weeks
- Walk as much as possible to reach the optimal pace.
- Do not lift heavy weights for the first few weeks
- No smoking
Thus, the postoperative period basically consists of walking to recover mobility little by little. The patient can return to normal activity after four to six weeks.