%207.svg)
%202.svg)
%201.svg)
%203.svg)
%204.svg)
%205.svg)
Operating techniques
About the treatment
Anterior lumbar arthrodesis
Procedure
Under general anaesthetic, the patient is positioned on his or her back or side, depending on the vertebral level to be treated. The procedure is performed by a spine surgeon and a vascular surgeon to minimize the risk of bleeding. An incision of less than 10 cm is made to access the spine, passing behind the organs.
Steps and Benefits
- The defective disc is removed and replaced by an implant (cage) filled with bone graft.
- The technique reduces the risk of bleeding and ensures stable fixation of the vertebrae.
- This approach offers lasting stabilization of the spine, limiting pain and the risk of recurrence.
.svg)
Hospitalisation
Hospital stay: 2 nights.
Return home on the 3rd day after the operation.
On your return, a physiotherapist will help you to get up for the first time.
Return Home
A nurse visits you every day for anticoagulation and changes the dressing every 2 days.
Sutures or staples are removed after 12 days.
Post-operative care
Daily prescription anticoagulation, with dressing changes every 2 days.
Sutures and staples are removed after 12 days.
Check-up with the surgeon 1 month after the operation, followed by the start of rehabilitation.
Back to school or work
Return to active life 2 to 3 months after surgery, depending on recovery.
Rehabilitation/ Physiotherapy
Start: 1 month.
Duration: 1 to 3 months, depending on recovery.
Pace: 2 to 3 weekly sessions (30-60 min), with daily exercises.
Nature: Pain-relieving physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, relaxation, posture.
Respect for the no-pain rule.
No need for corset/lumbar support, except in special cases.
Neurological complications: Less than 5%.
Risk of worsening neurological condition, leading to neuropathic pain or temporary or permanent paralysis.
This risk remains below 5% for cervical and lumbar arthrodesis.
Infection: 1-3
Early infection requiring a return to the operating room for cleaning and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Chronic or late infections that may require re-operation to remove or change implanted material.
Hemorrhagic complications
Significant bleeding may occur during or after the operation, sometimes necessitating a transfusion.
A vascular surgeon is on hand to quickly control any major bleeding.
Mechanical Complications
Pseudarthrosis: bone graft failure, particularly in smokers, diabetics and obese patients.
Painful pseudarthrosis may require new bone grafting.
Adjacent syndrome: degeneration of neighboring intervertebral levels, sometimes necessitating extension of the arthrodesis.
Risk of Adjacent Syndrome or Pseudarthrosis
Pseudarthrosis and adjacent syndrome are mechanical complications that can lead to degradation of adjacent levels of the spine, sometimes warranting further surgery.
FAQ
Answers for our patients
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How can I make an appointment?
You can book an appointment directly on our website or by telephone on 04 72 43 03 43 (choice 1).
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Appointments take around 1 to 2 months. In an emergency, your GP can contact us directly by email.
How does the first consultation work?
At your first consultation, you will complete an iPad questionnaire in the waiting room so the doctor has your information in advance. The consultation will then determine whether surgical or non-surgical treatment is needed.
What documents should I bring to my visit?
Please bring your carte vitale, your GP's referral letter, and any radiological examinations already carried out.
