Details.
A spinal fusion procedure performed through an incision in the front of the abdomen to access the lumbar spine. The damaged intervertebral disc is removed, a large interbody cage packed with bone graft is inserted, and adjacent vertebrae are fused. The procedure is performed by a neurosurgeon in collaboration with a specialist vascular surgeon. Preoperative care includes clinical assessment, MRI, standing X-rays, CT scans and a vascular surgery consultation. Hospital stay is typically 3 to 5 days. Recovery guidance includes walking from the day of surgery, a maximum lifting limit of 5 kilograms for the first 12 weeks, minimising bending and twisting for the first 12 weeks, and physiotherapy from the 4-week postoperative review.