What Is Lumbar Fusion?

• In simple terms: Lumbar fusion surgery joins bones in the lower back together using bone grafts and implants so they heal into a single, solid structure.
  
  

• Scientifically: Fusion involves discectomy and/or decortication, placement of an interbody cage or bone graft, and rigid internal fixation (screws/rods/plates). Fusion occurs via osteogenesis, osteoinduction, and osteoconduction over 6–12 months.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra causing instability)
  
  

• Degenerative disc disease with painful motion
  
  

• Spinal stenosis requiring decompression and stabilization
  
  

• Recurrent herniated discs with instability
  
  

• Trauma or fractures of the lumbar spine
  
  

• Deformities such as scoliosis (when severe)
  
  

Types of Lumbar Fusion Procedures

1. Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

• Approach: From the abdomen (anterior)
  
  

• Advantages: Large cage placement, restoration of disc height and alignment, avoids posterior muscle disruption
  
  

• Best for: Degenerative disc disease, deformity correction, revision cases
  
  

2. Posterior Lumbar Fusion (PLF)

• Approach: From the back (posterior midline)
  
  

• Advantages: Direct decompression of nerves, excellent exposure
  
  

• Best for: Trauma, deformity, instability after laminectomy
  
  

3. Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

• Approach: From the back with cages placed into both sides of disc space
  
  

• Advantages: Direct decompression, strong anterior column support
  
  

• Best for: Bilateral stenosis, instability needing wide access
  
  

4. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

• Approach: From the back (posterior paramedian), unilateral corridor
  
  

• Advantages: Less nerve manipulation than PLIF, MIS options available
  
  

• Best for: Degenerative spondylolisthesis, recurrent herniations, unilateral pathology
  
  

• Learn more → TLIF
  
  

5. Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF / XLIF)

• Approach: From the side (lateral transpsoas)
  
  

• Advantages: Large cage footprint, indirect decompression, MIS approach with less muscle disruption
  
  

• Best for: Disc collapse, coronal deformity, foraminal stenosis
  
  

• Learn more → XLIF
  
  

The Lumbar Fusion Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia: You’re asleep under general anesthesia.
   
   

2. Incision: Front, back, or side depending on approach.
   
   

3. Disc removal: Damaged disc removed; bone surfaces prepared.
   
   

4. Bone graft/cage placement: Cage or graft placed in disc space to maintain height.
   
   

5. Implants: Screws, rods, or plates stabilize the fusion.
   
   

6. Closure: Incision closed; patients walk within hours to days.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Exposure: Anterior retroperitoneal (ALIF), posterior paramedian (TLIF/PLIF), or lateral transpsoas (LLIF).
  
  

• Discectomy & prep: Annulotomy, nucleus removal, meticulous endplate decortication.
  
  

• Cage insertion: PEEK/titanium cage sized with lordosis correction; packed with autograft/allograft.
  
  

• Fixation: Pedicle screws/rods (posterior), anterior plates (ALIF), or lateral plates (LLIF).
  
  

• Fusion biology: Autograft (iliac crest or local), allograft, BMP, or synthetic bone substitutes.
  
  

Benefits of Lumbar Fusion

• Provides long-term stability
  
  

• Relieves nerve compression when combined with decompression
  
  

• Restores spinal alignment and disc height
  
  

• Wide variety of approaches tailored to patient needs
  
  

• Minimally invasive options mean smaller incisions, faster recovery
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• Infection, bleeding, nerve injury, DVT/PE
  
  

• Hardware issues or non-union (pseudoarthrosis)
  
  

• Adjacent segment disease (wear above/below fusion)
  
  

• Reduced mobility at fused segment
  
  

• Longer recovery compared to decompression alone
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Hospital stay: Outpatient for some MIS cases; 1–3 days for most
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Walking encouraged; wound care and light activity
  
  

• Weeks 2–6: Desk work possible; gradual PT introduction
  
  

• 6–12 weeks: Build activity; restrictions slowly lifted
  
  

• 3–6 months: Most return to normal life; fusion consolidating
  
  

• 6–12 months: Fusion confirmed; clearance for sports and heavy work
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Comprehensive expertise: Dr. Greenwald performs all major lumbar fusion techniques
  
  

• MIS focus: Whenever possible, procedures are minimally invasive for faster recovery
  
  

• Patient-first philosophy: Fusion only recommended when it’s the best option
  
  

• Trusted outcomes: Proven track record of relieving pain and restoring stability
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lumbar fusion approach is best?

It depends on your anatomy and diagnosis. ALIF restores height/alignment, TLIF and PLIF provide direct decompression, and LLIF offers large cage support with MIS benefits.

Will fusion limit my flexibility?

At the fused level, yes. But most patients notice little difference since other spinal segments compensate.

How long does fusion take to heal?

Typically 6–12 months for solid fusion to form. Smokers or patients with osteoporosis may take longer.

Can minimally invasive fusion work as well as open fusion?

Yes. In the right hands, MIS fusions achieve the same stability with smaller incisions and less pain.

How does Desert Spine and Pain approach lumbar fusion differently?

We offer all approaches—anterior, posterior, lateral—and select the safest, most effective option for your condition.