Question 1

what does it mean to have posterior lumbar interbody fusion?

Accepted Answer

PLIF procedure: A posterior lumbar interbody fusion (plif) is a procedure in which an unstable lumbar segment is fused in conjunction with a decompressive laminectomy.  As part of the fusion, bone grafting (often with a cage device) is placed into the disc space to allow for fusion, but also helps re-align the segment.  It can be performed with open and minimal invasive techniques.

Question 2

how long does it take to recover from posterior lumbar interbody fusion?

Accepted Answer

4 months: It usually takes about four months for complete recovery.

Question 3

how is an anterior lumbar interbody fusion different from a posterior lumbar ?

Accepted Answer

The approach: Anterior lumbar fusions utilize an approach through the abdomen called a retro peritoneal approach.  This approach actually never enters the cavity containing the intestines, rather goes around it.  This approach will allow access to the lumbar spine for fusion.  The approach carries risks because the large veins and arteries need to be moved.

Question 4

for a future anterior/posterior lumbar fusion surgery is it necessary for me to wean off of the 10mg prednisone i take qd for pain?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends upon how long in the future your surgery will be. You're not on a large dose of daily prednisone but it's enough to make your adrenal glands lazy so that when a truly stressful situation arises they may not be able to secrete enough epinephrine or norepinephrine. If you have a couple of months or more before surgery,I recommend weaning off prednisone. An early AM cortisol test tells

Question 5

i had a t2-l1 posterior spinal fusion 5 years ago. i having been experiencing pain in my cervical and lumbar spine. is this due to degeneration?

Accepted Answer

T2-L1?: That would be a very large fusion.  But if it were t12-l1, then, yes you may develop pain in other areas of the spine.  The fused area is stiff and neighboring areas have to work a little harder.

Question 6

posterior hip pain when seated on hard floor is this more indicative of si jt pain or lumbar referred pain?

Accepted Answer

It is one variable: Posterior (gluteal) hip pain is most commonly caused by pathology involving the lumbar spine or the sacroiliac joint & less likely caused by an unusual presentation of hip joint pain. This should be differentiated with deep pelvic pathologies which may refer pain to this area. The specific seated posture which aggravates the pain can serve as a clue. The diagnosis has more than one variable.

Question 7

mri results for spinal lumbar.is it common to have mild/moderate facet osteoarthritis?small posterior disc protrusion mild loss of disc height?im 30!!

Accepted Answer

Spine OA: All of these may be common particularly in patients over the age of 40.  The changes on an MRI or an x-ray may not correlate with areas of pain.  I usually recommend that my patients use topical therapy with agents such as diclofenac or lidocaine.  In addition, I recommend that my patients undergo aggressive core strengthening exercises on a routine basis.

Question 8

mri results of lumbar spine: small synovial cysts along the posterior aspect of the left articular facet? what does this mean in 30yr old female

Accepted Answer

No real issue: Synovial cysts are congenital variations of no significance unless they substantially enlarge, and in your case, seem a co-incidental finding of little relevance.   Discuss in more detail with your doctor and have him/her demonstrate the findings on the films to provide further reassurance.

Question 9

x-ray rprt "loss of lumbar curvature",  mri rprt"l5-s1 disc show posterior central annulus protrusion causing subtle impingement on thecal sac" ?

Accepted Answer

Call your doctor: Your doctor who has the complete report and who has  examined   you can give you more information. You have a herniated disc which may be putting some pressure on the nerve.   Your doctor can give you more information and recommendation for treatment.

Question 10

mri report says -  1. straightened lumbar spine curvature 2. posterior central disc protrusion at l4 -l5 level  causing indentation of thecal sac

Accepted Answer

Herniation and spasm: One way to describe those findings is you have a herniated disc likely associated with spasm.  When paraspinal muscles go into spasm, the lumbar spine straightens out somewhat losing its normal contour.  I would not hesitate to be seen to discuss treaent options.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion

A member asked:

What does it mean to have posterior lumbar interbody fusion?

A member asked:

How long does it take to recover from posterior lumbar interbody fusion?

A member asked:

How is an anterior lumbar interbody fusion different from a posterior lumbar ?

A member asked:

For a future anterior/posterior lumbar fusion surgery is it necessary for me to wean off of the 10mg prednisone i take qd for pain?

A member asked:

I had a t2-l1 posterior spinal fusion 5 years ago. i having been experiencing pain in my cervical and lumbar spine. is this due to degeneration?

A member asked:

Posterior hip pain when seated on hard floor is this more indicative of si jt pain or lumbar referred pain?

A member asked:

Mri results for spinal lumbar.is it common to have mild/moderate facet osteoarthritis?small posterior disc protrusion mild loss of disc height?im 30!!

A member asked:

Mri results of lumbar spine: small synovial cysts along the posterior aspect of the left articular facet? what does this mean in 30yr old female

A member asked:

X-ray rprt "loss of lumbar curvature", mri rprt"l5-s1 disc show posterior central annulus protrusion causing subtle impingement on thecal sac" ?

A member asked:

Mri report says - 1. straightened lumbar spine curvature 2. posterior central disc protrusion at l4 -l5 level causing indentation of thecal sac

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?