Posterior Instrumented Fusion (PSIF)

After anesthesia is given, an incision is made directly over the spine in the area of interest. This incision is guided with x-ray.

Screws are placed in the bone, cartilage is burred, and often bone graft is put down for the body to consolidate everything into one bone.

Sometimes this is done after a spacer is placed, and it can be done with a decompression as well.. This is repeated at multiple levels as needed.

Intraoperative X-rays are done to confirm placement, and the wound is checked for bleeding and the incision is sutured closed.

1. Take away painful motion

2. Provide stability for the bone

3. Accomplish a fusion

Depending on medical history, age, and surgical extent, some patients may spend one or multiple nights in the hospital for therapy and pain control.

Soreness from the incision site can remain for a week or two. Muscles can spasm from surgery as they do not like getting pushed around. Nerve relief can be felt within days. The low back can feel sore, but it’s a different type of discomfort that before surgery.

The fusion process may take up to 12 weeks for bone graft to consolidate, but symptoms typically improve much sooner.

Return to work times vary, some people are able to return to light work 2 week after surgery. For those with a very physically demanding job, return to work may not happen until 6-12 weeks after surgery.

There is no surgery without risks. They include but are not limited to: bad reaction to anesthesia, injury to the major vessels in the belly, injury to intestines, screw malplacement, surgical site infection, prolonged pain, nerve injury, implant failure, failure of fusion, spinal fluid leak, and the need for additional surgery.