Approach
Posterior (back of the lower spine)
Duration
Two to four hours, depending on levels and complexity
Hospital stay
Typically 1–3 days
Overview
The damaged disc is removed and replaced with an interbody cage filled with bone graft. Titanium screws and rods stabilize the segment while the bone graft fuses the vertebrae into a single, solid unit.
Who it's for
Patients with degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, recurrent disc herniations, or instability from fracture or deformity who have not responded to physical therapy, medications, and injections.
Why patients choose this approach
- Standard, well-established lumbar fusion approach
- Restores stability at painful or unstable segments
- Most patients return to most normal activities within 6 months
Conditions treated
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, sometimes producing back pain, leg pain, and instability — though many patients have minimal or no symptoms.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, producing leg pain, walking limitation, and — in cervical cases — hand and balance problems.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease describes age-related wear of the spinal discs that can lead to chronic neck or back pain and contribute to other spine problems including herniations, stenosis, and instability.
Spinal Fracture
Spinal fractures range from osteoporotic compression fractures to severe traumatic injuries and can cause significant pain, deformity, and — in severe cases — neurologic injury or paralysis.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
A lumbar disc herniation occurs when a disc in the lower back pushes through its outer ring and presses on a spinal nerve, most often producing leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness.
This page is a general overview. Detailed surgical, recovery, and risk information is reviewed at your in-person consultation with Dr. Kazarian.