Stiffening surgery

At Capio Private Hospital, we offer lumbar fusion surgery. Our experienced surgeons are ready to provide you with a safe and secure treatment that aims to reduce your pain and increase your level of function and quality of life.

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A spinal fusion is also known as a stabilizing back surgery. The name comes from the fact that the purpose of the surgery is to stabilize/stiffen the spine - either after a slipped joint between two vertebrae or due to changes in the lower back due to age or osteoarthritis, which can cause severe back and leg pain.

A common reason for undergoing spinal fusion surgery is spondylolisthesis, a condition in which one vertebra is displaced in relation to the adjacent vertebra. The condition, which in many cases requires spinal fusion surgery, occurs in approximately 8 percent of the population. The condition can be congenital, but it can also occur later in life due to age-related changes. In more rare cases, it occurs as a result of trauma.

The purpose of performing a stiffening, instrumented back surgery is to reduce your pain and improve your level of function.

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Both slipped joints and osteoarthritis of the spine cause chronic pain in the lower back, and in some cases the pain radiates to the legs. This is because the nerves in the back don't have the space they would normally have.

Symptoms of a slipped joint or osteoarthritis between two vertebrae can include lower back pain, leg pain, heavy and tired legs when walking, reduced walking distance and relief when bending over or sitting down.

These conditions can only be diagnosed by a doctor who specializes in spine disorders. It is also the spine surgeon who decides whether a spinal fusion surgery is the best option to improve the patient's mobility and quality of life. At Capio, we have experienced and professional spine surgeons who are ready to guide you to the right treatment.

Spinal fusion surgery – the procedure

Method

Spinal fusion surgery in the lower back can be performed in various ways depending on your symptoms, the condition of your spine, and the cause of your discomfort. The purpose of the surgery is to stabilize the affected vertebrae and reduce pain. The procedure can be performed either through the back or through the abdomen, where the surgeon accesses the spine from the front.

The choice of procedure depends, among other things, on where in the lower back the problem is located and which treatment is expected to yield the best results. Your spine surgeon will always conduct an individual assessment and recommend the procedure that is best suited to your specific situation.

Before surgery

Before the surgery, it is important that you follow the instructions you have received from the hospital. Among other things, you must arrive on an empty stomach on the day of the surgery and follow any guidelines regarding medication.

If you become ill, develop a fever, or contract an infection before your surgery, or if you start taking antibiotics, you must contact the hospital as soon as possible. The same applies if you have sores, cuts, or inflammation in the surgical area or elsewhere on your body.

It is also recommended that you prepare yourself practically at home, as daily tasks may be more time-consuming in the period following the operation.

During the operation

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. There are various ways to perform spinal fusion surgery in the lower back.

Through the back
During surgery through the back, you lie on your stomach. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower back and stabilizes the affected vertebrae. The procedure can be performed as an instrumented surgery, using screws and rods, or as a non-instrumented surgery without the use of metal, in which stability is achieved through the body’s own healing process.

Through the abdomen (ALIF)
During abdominal surgery, you lie on your back. The surgeon accesses the spine from the front and inserts an implant between the vertebrae to provide stability.

After surgery

After the surgery, you will be monitored, and once you are sufficiently awake, you will be offered food and drink. You can usually be discharged the day after the surgery.

It is normal to experience pain after surgery, which will gradually subside over time. You will receive guidance on pain management, and it is important that the pain does not prevent you from getting around and following your exercise program.

We encourage you to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible to prevent complications. Rehabilitation is an important part of your recovery, and you will be shown some exercises before you are discharged.

In the period following the surgery, you should listen to your body and gradually increase your activity level. Healing and rehabilitation can take several months.

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