Question 1

should i shave my pubic area if i am getting an anterior spinal fusion for l5-s1? i am having surgery on the 12th of this january

Accepted Answer

In : In general it is better not to shave your surgical area prior to surgery.  Shaving the day or so before surgery may increase bacterial contamination. It is best for the surgeon to remove the hair with an electric hair shaver just prior to starting surgery.

Question 2

is it possible to be anesthetized for a spinal fusion of l5/s1?

Accepted Answer

Yes: All spinal fusions are done with some form of anesthesia.

Question 3

what do you suggest if i am 17 yrs old and i have to have spinal fusion l5/s1 within the next 3 months, what should i expect ?

Accepted Answer

Think twice: Get second opinion.Make sure you understand the full risk and benefit of 
your surgery.Yoy sound too young to have any kind of surgery.

Question 4

i have had a two-level spinal fusion (l5-s1). what is the best way to avoid (or prolong) adjacent disc disease?

Accepted Answer

Not much : Accelerated adjacent segment degeneration is relatively common and concerns
adverse effects following spinal fusion. It
is believed that this accelerated degeneration
is due in large part to increased
mechanical stress on the adjacent motion
segments. Stay in shape, do not gain weight.

Question 5

after having a failed laminectomy w/ spinal fusion @ l5-s1, what can't they surgically fix the area ?

Accepted Answer

Failed back syndrome: Failed back syndrome (FBS) can be caused by many different factors. Laminectomies, in particular, have been shown to result in spinal instability in biomechanical studies. Minimally invasive surgery (mis) can help obviate some of the complications associated with fbs. Unfortunately, there may not be a quick fix in your particular situation. I would obtain a formal consult from a spine specialist.

Question 6

i am having a spinal fusion. this will be my second one. l5 s1. i don't wqnt to use my own bone. what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fusion: You also have the option of using cadaveric bone though some surgeons do not like to use this source, having said that it is coming used.

Question 7

hip pain after l5/s1 spinal fusion?

Accepted Answer

That's common: Often, your low back can cause hip pain, just like hip problems can cause knee pain.  I would talk to your orhtopedic and see if he could recommend some strengthening and stretching exercises and also to ensure nothing else is going on.

Question 8

i had a spinal fusion of l5 s1 5 yrs ago. my left leg is unpredictably weak and gives out. occasioy. what will improve my coordination?

Accepted Answer

Physical Therapy: may help strengthen the muscles and other soft tissue on the left leg.  Peace and good health.

Question 9

i had a spinal fusion l5-s1.  i now have dull aching pain in my back that i think is from the screw heads. what are my options?

Accepted Answer

Follow up: You should follow up with your spinal surgeon. He/she may be able to determine upon examination if your symptoms are due to the hardware or something else.

Question 10

i just found out that i have disc degeneration and posterior bulging disc at the l4/l5. i have had a spinal fusion at the l5/s1. what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on why the MRI was ordered and what symptoms and signs exist on the examination.  It could be incidental or it could explain alot - without having more history it's impossible to tell.  However, given that you have had an MRI, and your physician ordered it, you should ask your health care provider to go over it with you for an assessment.

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Doctor answers about:

Spinal fusion surgery l5 s1

A member asked:

Should i shave my pubic area if i am getting an anterior spinal fusion for l5-s1? i am having surgery on the 12th of this january

A member asked:

Is it possible to be anesthetized for a spinal fusion of l5/s1?

A member asked:

What do you suggest if i am 17 yrs old and i have to have spinal fusion l5/s1 within the next 3 months, what should i expect ?

A member asked:

I have had a two-level spinal fusion (l5-s1). what is the best way to avoid (or prolong) adjacent disc disease?

A member asked:

After having a failed laminectomy w/ spinal fusion @ l5-s1, what can't they surgically fix the area ?

A member asked:

I am having a spinal fusion. this will be my second one. l5 s1. i don't wqnt to use my own bone. what are my options?

A member asked:

Hip pain after l5/s1 spinal fusion?

A member asked:

I had a spinal fusion of l5 s1 5 yrs ago. my left leg is unpredictably weak and gives out. occasioy. what will improve my coordination?

A member asked:

I had a spinal fusion l5-s1. i now have dull aching pain in my back that i think is from the screw heads. what are my options?

A member asked:

I just found out that i have disc degeneration and posterior bulging disc at the l4/l5. i have had a spinal fusion at the l5/s1. what does this mean?

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