Our combined treatment approach gives you the best chance at a full recovery. Under the care of our experienced surgeons and well-trained support staff, Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery is ready to help you get back to the best parts of your life without pain or the need for further treatments. Here is what you need to know about our hybrid lumbar spine surgery option.
What is Lumbar Fusion?
Lumbar fusion is an operation used to treat degenerative disc disease and lower back pain when other treatments fail. The discs in the spine are naturally soft and flexible, but as we age, they become less flexible and more prone to degeneration. When that happens, they can cause pain because they press on the nerves in the lower back. Lumbar fusion is a way of replacing damaged discs and stabilizing the discs around them.
Lumbar fusion involves removing the damaged disc and fusing together the bones above and below the disc to replace it. A fusion can be either open or closed. In an open lumbar fusion, the skin is cut, and the surgeon makes an incision to remove the disc. In a closed lumbar fusion, the disc is removed through small holes in the skin near the spine.
What is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial discs are replacements for damaged discs that have been surgically removed from the spine. Most artificial discs can be inserted through a small incision in the back. There are two main types of artificial disc replacements. One is a metal and plastic disc that is implanted in the lower back. The other is a disc made from the person’s own tissue. Both of these are called autograft discs because some of the patient’s own tissue is used.
How Hybrid Lumbar Spine Surgery Works
In the hybrid lumbar spine surgery, a damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial one, just like in the artificial disc replacement surgery. Then, that artificial disc is fused to the discs above and below it so they remain attached and stable, just like in the lumbar fusion.
What are the Benefits of Hybrid Lumbar Spine Surgery?
Lumbar fusion is often used as a treatment for degenerative disc disease and for chronic low back pain. An artificial disc replacement is a newer procedure. It can be used when the pain is caused by a specific disc that needs to be replaced.
Lumbar fusion can help reduce pain and correct alignment, but it doesn’t restore lost motion like an artificial disc replacement does. An artificial disc replacement allows more motion, which helps with walking and lifting objects.
Who is a Good Candidate for Hybrid Lumbar Spine Surgery?
Hybrid lumbar fusion surgery is used to treat degenerative disc disease, degenerative spondylolisthesis, or failed spinal fusion surgery. Your doctor may recommend a hybrid lumbar spine surgery if they think it would be a good fit for your specific condition.
You may be a good candidate for hybrid lumbar spine surgery if:
- You have degenerative disc disease.
- You have a specific disc that is causing pain.
- You are between 30 and 50 years old.
- You have not responded well to non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medication.
Ultimately, it is up to your doctor if you are a good candidate for a procedure. There are many nuances to your condition and a thorough evaluation is needed to know if the procedure will work for you or not.
Recovery After Hybrid Lumbar Spine Surgery
Hybrid lumbar spine surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure. You will leave the hospital on the same day as the surgery. If your surgery involves an artificial disc, it can take a few weeks for the incision to heal. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for rest and rehabilitation to reduce the risk of complications and get you better faster.
Most patients recover from hybrid lumbar spine surgery within 3-4 months. You can expect to experience moderate pain and discomfort during recovery, but your doctor will prescribe medications to help you manage the pain.
You will also likely have physical therapy during your recovery to help you regain strength and range of motion in your back and legs. You may also need to wear a brace or support to protect your back.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Hybrid Lumbar Spine Surgeons
Any type of spine surgery comes with risks, including our hybrid lumbar spine surgery. However, we put you in the care of highly trained and experienced spine surgeons. When all is said and done, you can go back to your life without problems.
To learn more about hybrid lumbar spine surgery and other methods we have of treating spine issues, contact Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery at (855)-853-6542. We can schedule a consultation and assessment to review your case and make sure that hybrid lumbar spine surgery is the right choice for you.