Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are joined or fused together.
The PSF approaches the spine from the side of the spinal canal through a slightly lateral or midline incision in the patient’s back. The PSF approach does not require exposure of the nerve structures unless a decompression is also required. This decrease in trauma to the soft tissue structures often leads to decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stay and more rapid recovery.
Lumbar spine fusion may be recommended for disabling low back and leg symptoms that have not improved with non-surgical forms of treatment. Conditions such as spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease or recurrent disc herniations are known to produce mechanical pain and may be indications for a spinal fusion. PSF is designed to stabilize the spine and reduce mechanical back pain. Depending upon the condition, one may be a candidate for minimally invasive PSF.