Lumbar Decompression and Fixation

1. What is Lumbar Decompression and Fixation?
It is a spinal procedure that combines decompression of compressed nerve roots with surgical stabilization of the affected lumbar vertebrae using specialized implants.

2. When is Lumbar Decompression and Fixation recommended?
It may be recommended for lumbar spinal stenosis with instability, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc disease, spinal deformity, fractures, or other conditions where nerve compression is accompanied by spinal instability.

3. What does lumbar decompression involve?
The surgeon removes or modifies structures that are compressing the nerves, which may include part of the lamina, thickened ligaments, bone overgrowth, or disc material.

4. Why is fixation performed?
Fixation helps maintain spinal alignment and stability when the spine is already unstable or when adequate decompression requires removal of structures that could otherwise compromise stability.

5. What does spinal fusion involve?
Fusion usually involves placing bone graft material between selected vertebrae to encourage them to join into a solid segment. Screws and rods help maintain alignment while the fusion develops.

6. What tests are required before surgery?
MRI is commonly used to identify nerve compression. X-rays, including dynamic views when appropriate, and CT scans may be used to evaluate spinal alignment, instability, and bone anatomy. Routine preoperative medical investigations are also required.

7. How long does the surgery take?
The operation commonly takes several hours, depending on the number of levels treated, severity of compression, surgical approach, and complexity of fixation.

8. What is recovery like after surgery?
Patients are generally encouraged to mobilize gradually after surgery. Hospitalization may last several days, while recovery and spinal fusion continue over several weeks to months. Physiotherapy may be recommended.

9. What are the possible risks?
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, persistent symptoms, implant problems, failure of fusion, and adjacent-segment degeneration.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate evaluation with an experienced spine surgeon or neurosurgical team, arrange review of MRI, CT, and X-rays, obtain a personalized treatment estimate, and assist with hospital, travel, and rehabilitation arrangements in India.