Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Spinal Fusion or not?

I have grade 2 anterolisthesis, spondylolisthesis of L4 on L5 with bilateral L4 pars defects. The L5 vertebral body is partially sacralized. There is severe bilateral facet arthopathy and severe bilateral neural forminal narrowing. Minimal sentral canal stenosis.
I fell down a flight of stairs almost 3 years ago and have since tried, bracing, pain meds, injections, and bed rest with no avail. I am only 33 with 3 children.

Surgery  ( Spinal Fusion with instrumentation and decompression)has been recommended to me by both a neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon. I am afraid this surgery will cause more problems in the end. It seems extremely invasive. I am having a difficult time accepting foreign objects in my body. I am afraid of this leading to more procedures. Although, I am not thrilled at not being able to do normal daily activities without pain currently.

I want a straight answer about the success of this type of surgery for this specific diagnosis, and what can be expected in recovery.
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Surgery is a solution where conservative treatment does not help. Injuries require lot of will power to get over the problems, i would suggest you to go for conservative treatment as far as possible as you are young and can motivate yourself, but if it does not help please go the a good neurosurgeon and conduct your surgery at a good centre. Take care and do lot of research about the best surgeon!
Helpful - 0
348649 tn?1242942955
I WOULDNT HAVE A FUSION DONE HEARD ALOT OF BAD THINGS ABOUT THEM MY FRIENDS FATHER HAD 7 FUSIONS ALREADY ITS LIKE A DOMINO AFFECT WHEN THE DISC IS REMOVED THE NEXT DISC UP TAKES THE EXCESS WEIGHT AND SO ON  IF ANYTHING GET A PROSTETIC IV HEARD ALOT OF GOOD RESULTS WITH THOSE PLUS YOU HEAL FASTER LESS INVASIVE AND YOU KEEP ALL OF YOUR MOVEMENT
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Orthopedics Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.