Designed to be a less invasive way to fuse the spine, IBF is generally used for the treatment of back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. When the procedure is performed from the front (anterior) of the spine, a minimally-invasive endoscopic technique may be used. The surgery in the following animation is performed through an anterior approach.
Lumbar inter-body fusion (IBF) is an effective treatment for degenerative disc disease. Because the surgeon makes a smaller incision and uses smaller tools, this procedure is considered minimally invasive surgery. This process avoids damaging your lower back muscles.
Whether you are doing chores around the house, driving to work, or playing with your kids, every movement that you make involves the back and spine in one way or another. If you are dealing with a painful lower spine caused by a bad disc, any activity you engage in throughout the day can be increasingly more pain-filled due to degenerative disc disease.
Those patients who contact the lumbar interbody fusion experts at New York Spine Specialist will be able to learn more about the condition, Find out about the conservative treatment methods that we use, and discover if the lumbar interbody fusion of vertebra bones may be the right course of action for them.
A spine surgeon from New York Spine Specialist will never jump to surgery as the first treatment of back pain caused by degenerative disc disease, but we keep it an option. If you are suffering from a damaged disc causing severe lower back pain, read on to learn more about the minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the lumbar spine’s interbody fusion (IBF).
Lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) is an effective treatment for degenerative disc disease because it increases stability in the spine’s lower (lumbar) region. This process avoids damaging your lower back muscles while providing pain relief in your lower back and legs. This procedure is considered minimally invasive because the spine surgeon makes a smaller incision and uses smaller tools.
Before the procedure, the spine surgeon will determine if they will use the anterior or posterior approaches. In general, the anterior approach may be preferable. Once that decision has been made, the patient is prepared for the surgery. If the anterior approach is used, the patient will be lying on their back (front for the posterior approach option), and the incision area will be cleaned.
During the procedure, the muscles and blood vessels are moved so that the surgeon can reach the spine. The degenerated or damaged disc is removed from the spine, and temporary spacers are inserted to align the remaining vertebrae into the proper positions. This will take pressure off the nerves and reduce pain in the spine. Small interbody cages made of bone grafts are then inserted into the open spaces and screwed into their appropriate positions. Rods may also be needed for extra stabilization.
Because the process uses the minimally invasive endoscopic technique, the patient only needs to be observed for a brief period following surgery before release. The recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to months, depending on the patient and the individual healing process. Once healed, the spine stabilization will be permanent.
When it comes to the benefits of lumbar interbody fusion treatment, there are many. Specifically related to using the anterior approach, the advantages include:
In general, the lumbar interbody fusion procedure provides the patient with exceptional benefits such as:
Rather than dealing with constant pain and struggling with the discomfort caused by degenerative disc disease, you may want to consider lumbar interbody fusion surgery using the anterior approach. Our New York Spine Specialist team is happy to discuss this option with you to understand how this minimally invasive endoscopic technique may benefit you and your spine health.
While you may be concerned about a certain lumbar interbody fusion treatment risk, we can assure you that the benefits far outweigh any risks. We are here to make sure that you are completely comfortable with the decision to undergo this treatment for back pain, and we can reassure you that it will not be the first option we jump to when you first visit our clinic. No surgery will be the go-to option since there are effective conservative treatments.
In New York Spine Specialist, Surgery is never the first choice. Fusing the spine is a revolutionary process because it limits your movement and cannot be reversed. Lumbar Interbody Fusion Treatment is a less invasive way to fuse your spine and treats severe back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Book an appointment to speak with one of our spine specialists about the risk of lumbar inter-body fusion treatment and what to expect during your recovery.
If you suffer pain and discomfort in your lumbar spine, you may not have the quality of life that you want or expect. Completing daily activities may be a significant challenge for you, and our team of spine experts is here to help you gain back your spine health and happiness. We have the experience, training, and knowledge to diagnose your spine issue, develop a thorough treatment plan, and make sure that it is offering you the best possible pain relief.
Contact New York Spine Specialist today to speak with one of our medical professionals about inter-body fusion ( IBF ) and how it may benefit your spine to get back on the road to a healthy and happy life without pain in your lumbar spine!
Surgery is never the first choice at New York Spine Specialist. Fusing the spine is an extreme process because it limits your movement and cannot be reversed. IBF, is a less invasive way to fuse your spine and treats severe back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Book an appointment to speak with one of our specialists about the risks and what to expect during your recovery.
