Lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the spine by permanently connecting two vertebrae.
Bone or a bone like material is placed between the two vertebrae to be fused, then hardware is used to hold the vertebrae together, allowing them to heal into one stable unit. The hardware may include plates, screws, or rods.
The procedure eliminates motion between the two vertebrae. The surgery is generally done to address a spinal deformity, fracture, or gross instability. Fusing the spine successfully eliminates motion at the level fused.
Another common reason for fusing the spine is to address lower back pain. The results of spinal fusion surgery for degenerative disc disease and herniated discs are no better when compared to exercise.
References
Brox JI, Sørensen R, Friis A, Nygaard Ø, Indahl A, Keller A, Ingebrigtsen T, Eriksen HR, Holm I, Koller AK, Riise R, Reikerås O. Randomized clinical trial of lumbar instrumented fusion and cognitive intervention and exercises in patients with chronic low back pain and disc degeneration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003 Sep 1;28(17):1913-21. doi: 10.1097/01.BRS.0000083234.62751.7A. PubMed PMID: 12973134.
