While performing a fusion surgery, the spinal fixation of the S1 segment usually presents a greater risk of failure (pseudarthrosis) compared to L5. To avoid this complication, the addition of an …

The procedure did not gain immediate favor because of low success rates; about 36% to 52% of patients found significant pain relief and about 32% to 56% had a successful fusion of …

The disc and motion segment are named by the vertebral body above and below; for example, the disc and motion segment related to the L4 and L5 vertebrae are called the L4-L5 disc and the …

After the surgery is completed, the wound is closed with dissolving sutures (stitches). Careful attention is given to avoid wound complications and infections, which are well-known risks …

Dr. Marco Rodriguez is an orthopedic surgeon and founder of the International Spine Institute in Baton Rouge, LA. He has more than 10 years of clinical experience treating lumbar and …

Vertebral and disc pain from L5-S1 may occur suddenly following an injury or gradually develop over a period of time. Typically, a dull ache or sharp pain may be felt in the lower back. …

L4-S1—which includes fusing L4-L5 and L5-S1 Three-level fusion is typically performed at L3-S1—which includes fusing L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 1 Smorgick Y, Park DK, Baker KC, et al. …

A PLIF surgery is performed by a spine surgeon in a hospital setting or an outpatient surgery center. The surgery typically lasts about 2 to 6 hours, based on a number of factors such as …

He specializes in spine surgery and has been practicing for more than 25 years. Dr. Sherman has served as Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of …

Anterior/Posterior Lumbar Fusion Surgery Advantages Fusing both the front and back provides a high degree of stability for the spine and a large surface area for the bone fusion to occur. …