How long does anterior spinal fusion surgery take?

How long does anterior spinal fusion surgery take?

This surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on how many spine levels are treated.

How long does a anterior and posterior lumbar fusion surgery take?

How long is the Anterior & Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Procedure? Surgical time is determined by the number of vertebrae that are involved in the fusion. Generally, the surgery takes between 5 and 7 hours. After the procedure, patients are transferred to the recovery room for a short time.

How serious is Alif surgery?

What are the risks? In addition to the standard surgical and anesthetic related risks of bleeding, infection, stroke, coma, heart attack, and death, the specific risks to an ALIF are blood vessel damage, bowel injury, nerve damage and the need for further surgery.

How long do you have to wear a brace after spinal fusion?

Depending on the surgery and your general condition, you may only have to wear your back brace for two weeks or until your first post-op visit. Lumbar fusion surgery patients will have to wear their brace for a longer period of time, up to three months, especially as they return to work and to normal activities.

How big is the incision for spinal fusion surgery?

Compared to traditional open fusion, which typically requires a 5- to 6-inch incision, the incision for a minimally invasive fusion is only about 2-inches long—the same length as the incision for a lumbar laminectomy. The smaller incision means less tissue disruption and less postoperative pain for the patient.

How bad is the pain after Alif surgery?

It is very common to have lower abdominal pain for the first few weeks following anterior spinal fusion. This is incisional and post-operative pain and should slowly improve as the wound and muscles heal. You may have some difficulty passing wind and stool for the first few days following ALIF.