Fusion

What is Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

A lumbar fusion is a surgical procedure where two or more vertebrae in the lower back are permanently joined together. The goal of the surgery is to stabilise the spine and prevent painful movement between the vertebrae.

During the procedure, a bone graft is placed between the vertebrae to help them fuse together. This graft may come from:

• Autograft – bone taken from the patient’s own body (often from the pelvis)
• Allograft – donor bone obtained from a bone bank

Over time, the bones grow together to form one solid bone, which stabilises the spine. This fusion process usually takes around three months or longer.

To keep the spine stable while the bone heals, surgeons may also use:

• Metal rods
• Screws
• Plates

The surgery can be performed using either:

• Anterior approach – through the front of the spine
• Posterior approach – through the back of the spine

The surgical approach depends on the specific condition being treated.

Why is Lumbar Fusion Surgery Performed?

Lumbar fusion is often recommended when spinal instability causes ongoing pain or nerve compression.

Common conditions treated with lumbar fusion include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Scoliosis or spinal deformities
• Vertebral fractures
• Chronic lower back pain that does not respond to conservative treatment
• Spinal infections or tumours

The surgery helps reduce pain, improve spinal stability, and protect the spinal cord and nerves.

What Symptoms Can Lumbar Fusion Surgery Help Treat?

Lumbar fusion surgery is usually recommended when patients experience persistent symptoms such as:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Pain radiating into the legs
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Muscle weakness in the lower limbs
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Reduced mobility in the lower back

Surgery aims to relieve these symptoms by stabilising the affected spinal segment.

What Should I Do If I Need Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

If lumbar fusion surgery has been recommended by your spine specialist, preparation before the operation is important.

Patients are usually advised to:

• Maintain gentle physical activity where possible
• Follow medical guidance before surgery
• Begin pre-surgical physiotherapy if recommended

Preparing the body before surgery can improve recovery and reduce complications after the operation.

Physiotherapy Before Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Physiotherapy before surgery helps prepare the body for the procedure and improve post-surgical recovery.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists help patients prepare through:

• Education about the surgical procedure and recovery process
• Exercises to maintain mobility and flexibility
• Core strengthening to support the spine
• Posture correction training
• Advice on safe movement techniques
• Activity modification to manage pain

This preparation helps patients recover faster and regain independence sooner after surgery.

Physiotherapy Treatment After Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in recovery after lumbar fusion surgery. Once your surgeon confirms it is safe to begin rehabilitation, physiotherapy will help restore mobility and strength.

At ACE Physio Sports, rehabilitation programmes are personalised based on the patient’s condition and recovery stage.

Physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Core strengthening exercises to stabilise the spine
• Gentle stretching exercises to restore flexibility
• Postural correction training to protect the spine
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Low-impact cardiovascular conditioning
• Functional training to restore daily activities such as walking, sitting, and standing

Patients are also given home exercise programmes to support ongoing recovery.

What Should I Avoid After Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

During recovery, patients should avoid activities that may stress the healing spine.

Avoid the following:

• Heavy lifting
• Twisting or bending movements
• High-impact exercise
• Poor sitting posture
• Ignoring persistent pain

Following your physiotherapist’s advice helps ensure safe healing and prevents complications.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most patients recover well after lumbar fusion surgery, particularly with structured rehabilitation.

However, possible long-term issues may include:

• Reduced spinal flexibility
• Muscle weakness
• Persistent lower back discomfort
• Adjacent segment strain (stress on nearby spinal levels)

Regular physiotherapy helps reduce these risks and supports long-term spinal health.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in spinal rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery, and musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Our clinic provides:

• Experienced spine rehabilitation specialists
• Personalised recovery programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Structured rehabilitation plans following spinal surgery

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.