About Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Key Highlights
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Provides direct decompression of spinal nerves to relieve leg pain (sciatica).Offers excellent spinal stability and high fusion success rates.Restores disc height and corrects spinal alignment.Addresses the root cause of pain by eliminating motion at the affected segment.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce muscle damage.
Who is this surgery for?
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra) causing instability or nerve compression.
- Severe degenerative disc disease with chronic low back pain unresponsive to conservative care.
- Recurrent lumbar disc herniation.
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) requiring decompression and stabilization.
- Certain spinal fractures or deformities, such as scoliosis.
- Failed previous back surgery (post-laminectomy syndrome) with instability.
How to prepare
- Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scan).
- Discontinue certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
- Maintain good nutrition and cease smoking, as it significantly hinders bone healing.
- Arrange for post-operative support at home for assistance during initial recovery.
- Follow fasting instructions (typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery).
- Discuss anesthesia options and any allergies with the anesthesiologist.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve injury, which could lead to weakness, numbness, pain, or, rarely, paralysis.
- Dural tear (cerebrospinal fluid leak).
- Hardware complications (screw or rod breakage, malposition).
- Pseudarthrosis (failure of the bones to fuse).
- Adjacent segment disease (increased stress on vertebrae above or below the fusion).
- Persistent pain or the need for additional surgery.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay typically involves 3-5 days for pain management, monitoring, and initial physical therapy.
- Patients are encouraged to walk with assistance soon after surgery to promote healing.
- A back brace may be prescribed for several weeks to limit motion and support the spine.
- Activities are restricted: no bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects (more than 5-10 lbs) for 6-12 weeks.
- Gradual return to normal activities over 3-6 months, guided by a structured physical therapy program.
- Complete bone fusion and maximum benefit can take 6 months to a year or more.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing with X-rays.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
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Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for basic activities; 12+ months for full fusion
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering posterior lumbar interbody fusion in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for posterior lumbar interbody fusion in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform posterior lumbar interbody fusion. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for posterior lumbar interbody fusion compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 350 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 3-5 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic activities; 12+ months for full fusion | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 1.23 Million – 2.8 Million | 3-5 days | ~ 3-6 months for basic activities; 12+ months for full fusion | Know More |
Top hospitals for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion.
Myra Saxena, a 58-year-old retired school...
Myra Saxena, a 58-year-old retired school principal, had always been active, but a progressive, sharp pain radiating down her right leg changed everything. For two years, she managed with painkillers and physiotherapy for what was diagnosed as severe degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis at L4-L5. The pain became constant, making it impossible to stand for more than a few minutes or enjoy her daily walks with her grandchildren. Her neurosurgeon, after reviewing her MRI showing significant nerve compression and spinal instability, recommended a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF). He explained it would remove the damaged disc, relieve pressure on the nerve, and stabilize the spine with implants and bone graft. Myra was terrified of spinal surgery but felt she had no quality of life left. The procedure went smoothly. Her post-op hospital stay was challenging with initial pain and mobility restrictions, but the sciatic pain was gone. After three months of strict rehabilitation, she gradually returned to light activities. A year later, while she avoids high-impact exercises, she is pain-free, gardening again, and actively involved with her family. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and despair to immense relief and gratitude, regaining her independence and joy.
Neurosurgeons for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform posterior lumbar interbody fusion and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada