Lumbar fusion surgery joins two or more vertebrae in the lower back into a single, stable segment, eliminating movement between them. What is lumbar fusion surgery used for? It's most often used to treat instability caused by degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or a prior injury, and is typically considered once non-surgical lumbar fusion treatment, such as physical therapy, injections, or bracing, has failed to relieve symptoms.
Dr. Brett Taylor is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon practicing at Town & Country Crossing Orthopedics (TCCO) in St. Louis, Missouri. He evaluates each case individually, using diagnostic imaging and clinical history to determine whether fusion is the appropriate course of treatment and which surgical technique best addresses the specific source of instability.
Attorneys and physicians working with a client or patient who may need this type of care can submit a referral to begin the review process.
Most lumbar fusion procedures fall into one of two categories, both of which use screws, rods, or cages to hold the spine in place while the bone graft heals:
Both approaches fall under the broader category of instrumented lumbar fusion, meaning hardware is used to stabilize the spine while the bone graft fuses into a solid segment over the following months.
Lumbar fusion surgery is most often recommended for:
In some cases, fusion is performed alongside decompression to treat lumbar spinal stenosis surgery candidates who also have instability, with both procedures performed together rather than as separate surgeries.
Not every patient with a lumbar spine condition needs fusion. Patients with an isolated disc herniation and no instability may be better candidates for a microdiscectomy instead, since it removes the herniated portion of the disc without fusing the segment. Similarly, some patients may qualify for a total disc replacement [Total Disc Replacement], which preserves motion at the treated level rather than eliminating it.
Attorneys handling cases that involve a lumbar spine diagnosis, and who need an independent medical opinion rather than a referral for treatment, can learn more about our expert witness and legal services.
Lumbar fusion surgery cost varies based on the surgical approach, the number of levels involved, and how the case is being billed, whether through workers' compensation, a personal injury claim, or another arrangement. Because TCCO's patient base is largely referral-based rather than direct-pay, cost is typically discussed and coordinated as part of the case rather than published as a flat rate. Attorneys and physicians with cost-related questions for a specific case are welcome to include that in their referral.
As with any spine surgery, the risks of lumbar fusion surgery can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and failure of the bone graft to fuse properly. There's also a possibility that adjacent, unfused segments of the spine take on additional stress over time. Dr. Taylor reviews these risks individually with each case based on the patient's specific diagnosis, overall health, and the surgical approach being considered.
Dr. Brett Taylor is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in St. Louis, MO, with fellowship training in spine surgery and experience across a full range of lumbar and cervical procedures. He evaluates and performs each surgery personally, working directly with referring attorneys and physicians throughout the case.
Referring physicians and attorneys can submit a referral describing the patient or client's diagnosis and relevant history to begin the review process. Once received, Dr. Taylor reviews the case to determine whether fusion, decompression, or another approach is the appropriate next step, and next steps are coordinated directly with the referring party.