Description: This exhibit features a step-by-step illustration of the proposed decompression and fusion surgery. The lumbar spine is shown exposed through an open posterior incision, the decompression laminectomies from L2 down to S1, the discectomies at these levels, the placement of the posterior interbody fusion cages and the insertion of the pedicle screws and rods to complete the posterior fusion. Also, one lateral skeletal view of the lumbar spine is included to illustrate the post-operative condition with all fusion hardware in place.

Last Updated: Nov 16th, 2010