A member asked:

I was told by spine surgeon i need a fusion. at my age, 83, i do not want to under go this surgery. what possibly could i try less invasive?

Q: i was told by spine surgeon i need a fusion. at my age, 83, i do not want to under go this surgery. what possibly could i try less invasive?

: Not feasible to provide advice as to whether you do or do not need surgery. But if this involves the lumbar spine area, 5 yr outcomes reveal arthritic issues above and below the fusion site. If the spine is unstable, fusion may be an answer nonetheless. We could more thoroughly address your issues via a virtual consult (www.connect@healthtap.com)

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. Bennett Machanic answered

Not feasible to provide advice as to whether you do or do not need surgery. But if this involves the lumbar spine area, 5 yr outcomes reveal arthritic issues above and below the fusion site. If the spine is unstable, fusion may be an answer nonetheless. We could more thoroughly address your issues via a virtual consult (www.connect@healthtap.com)

Answered 10/13/2022

0 views

Thank

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

A member asked:

I was told by spine surgeon i need a fusion. at my age, 83, i do not want to under go this surgery. what possibly could i try less invasive?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Dr. Bennett Machanic answered

Related Questions

A member asked:

23m-rupture discs w/ 5mm retrolisthesis (l4/5&l5/s1) s/p discectomy surgeon doesn't want surgery, 2nd opinion recommended hybrid lumbar fusion. What should I do? Daily pain 6+/10 back & both legs 2yrs

A member asked:

Would it be proper if i went back to surgeon that did my knee surgery even though he told me he couldn't do anything. Clicking of the knee and popping

A member asked:

I had left knee surgery 11 months ago for plica and chondroplasty. My pain has gotten a lot worse since surgery should I go back to see the same surgeon? I did go see him about 4 months after my surgery and was told that it was as good as it gets. I have

A member asked:

How long should an nsaid be taken to treat chronic backpain? I have a degenerative L4 and herniated l5. Have already done several rounds of physical therapy. The orthopedic surgeon does not recommend back surgery at this time simple because of my age 29.

A member asked:

I had an inguinal hernia surgery three years back. My surgeon injected triamcinolone acetonide with xylocaine (lidocaine) told me to sit in warm water tub.Reason?

Sponsored Content

People also searched for:

Does anyone know a spine surgeon who will consider minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery for spinal stenosis without fusion when there is single level spondylolisthesis at L5-S1?

First attempt didn't help ! spine surgeon wants to do second surgery, what else can I do ?

If neuronal surgeon is the one who do surgery on the nerve or spine. What does a neurologist do then.

During my recent surgery to remove a tumor next to my spine, the surgeon cut through two of my intercostal nerves mobilizing the upper part my abs. What will happen with my abs (go numb, weaken, have a bulge)? Is it permanent? Any possible treatment?

How do we check if L5 S1 disc herniation can be treated with exercise and medication and No surgery is required? Visited spine surgeon, he checked with leg flexibility and i had no pain. bt pain while i get up from sitting position. suggested surgery?

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?