Spinal fusion is a major surgery where spinal bones are fused together using screws, bolts and/or plates. The hardware may be placed in the front or the back of the spine. The disc between the spinal bones is often times removed & replaced with bone or a spacer. L5-S1 Fusion refers to the level of the surgery.
Is Spinal Fusion Surgery Successful?
Success is difficult to judge. Why? Because there are a significant number of variables involved including the surgical approach, preop MRI, x-ray findings, patient’s age, medical history & the parameters studied.
Can Screws Come Loose After Spinal Fusion?
Yes! There are a number of complications arising from L5 S1 fusion; Non-Union, Hardware Breaking or becoming loose, adjacent Segment Disease & Spinal Muscle Injury, although not typical, are also not uncommon.
If you have been told you require Spinal Fusion, you owe it to yourself to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression. Although we cannot help everyone, we have an enviable history of success.
Remember, you can always have an operation, but you cannot undo an operation. We are the place to start.