What is Thoracic & Lumbar Fusion?
Thoracic & Lumbar Fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing the spine and relieving pain by permanently joining two or more vertebrae in the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) regions. This technique is often employed to treat various spinal conditions that cause instability, deformity, or severe pain. At Synergy Health Partners in Metro Detroit, our expert spine surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure effective pain relief and improved spinal stability, helping you achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle.
Objectives of Thoracic & Lumbar Fusion
- Pain Relief: Alleviating pain caused by unstable or damaged vertebrae.
- Spinal Stability: Providing long-term stability by fusing affected vertebrae.
- Deformity Correction: Correcting spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis.
- Improved Function: Enhancing mobility and reducing pain to improve overall quality of life.
Surgical Techniques Used
Posterior Fusion:
- Description: Accessing the spine through an incision in the back, where bone grafts and instrumentation are used to fuse the vertebrae.
- Benefits: Direct access to the vertebrae, strong fusion, and effective pain relief.
- Technology: Pedicle screws, rods, and bone graft materials.
Anterior Fusion:
- Description: Accessing the spine through an incision in the front (abdomen or chest) to place bone grafts between the vertebrae and secure them with instrumentation.
- Benefits: Avoids back muscles, effective for certain conditions, and strong fusion.
- Technology: Interbody cages, screws, and bone graft materials.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF):
- Description: A minimally invasive technique accessing the spine from the side to remove a damaged disc and place bone grafts and implants between the vertebrae.
- Benefits: Minimally invasive, reduced tissue disruption, and quicker recovery.
- Technology: Tubular retractors, interbody cages, and pedicle screws.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF):
- Description: Accessing the spine from the side to remove the damaged disc and insert bone grafts and implants.
- Benefits: Minimally invasive, preserves back muscles, and effective for certain conditions.
- Technology: Specialized retractors, interbody cages, and bone graft materials.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion:
- Description: Using smaller incisions and advanced tools to perform spinal fusion with minimal tissue disruption.
- Benefits: Reduced pain, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery.
- Technology: O-arm surgical imaging, tubular retractors, and minimally invasive instruments.
Conditions Treated with Laminoplasty
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Spinal fractures
If you or a loved one is suffering from spinal conditions and seeking a solution that preserves natural movement, contact Synergy Health Partners in Metro Detroit to schedule a consultation with our expert spine surgeons. Our goal is to provide effective, innovative, and compassionate care to help you achieve a pain-free and active lifestyle.
Orthopedic Spine Surgeons
Your Trusted Back, Neck, and Spine Specialists in Michigan
Our team employs advanced diagnostic techniques to identify the root causes of your neck, back, and spine discomfort. Using a combination of targeted injection therapies, physical therapy, specialized bracing, and minimally invasive spine surgery, we aim to optimize your recovery and enhance your quality of life. If you’re ready to alleviate your chronic back, neck, and spine pain, schedule an appointment with one of our back, neck, and spine specialists today!
