Laparoscopic Spinal Fusion

What is Laparoscopic Spinal Fusion?
New Developments in Spinal Fusion
For Additional Information / To Make An Appointment

What is Laparoscopic Spinal Fusion?

Patients with degenerative spinal disease may require spinal fusion surgery to stabilize the vertebrae and alleviate severe, chronic back pain. Traditionally, spinal fusion was performed as open surgery, and while it has been associated with a low complication rate and pain relief for 90% of patients, many patients experienced back pain and fatigue as a result of muscle loss from the operation.

In 1993, Dr. Thomas Zdeblick from the Division of Orthopedic Surgery began developing a minimally invasive way to perform spinal fusion surgery. The procedure, laparoscopic spinal fusion, was performed for the first time in the world in September 1993. Since then, Dr. Zdeblick has become a world leader in the field of minimally invasive spine surgery.

By using special instrumentation and scopes, laparoscopic spinal fusion requires only a small incision in the back. There are numerous benefits to this approach, the most significant being patients' reduced hospital stay and recuperation time. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery are hospitalized for just under 2 days, versus the 4 to 6 days required for patients undergoing open surgery. Return-to-work time ranges from 3 to 8 weeks (depending on the physical requirements of patients' jobs), compared to the 3 to 6 months associated with open surgery.

New Developments in Spinal Fusion

Clinical research efforts continue to improve the healing time and outcomes associated with spinal fusion surgery. As part of a 1997 FDA-sponsored pilot study, Dr. Zdeblick performed the first combination bone graft substitute/cage fusion procedure.

During this procedure, a metal cage is inserted between the vertebrae that need to be fused. Implanted inside the cage is a laboratory-made bone substitute called bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). This protein is the same substance that the body uses to regenerate bone after a fracture, and it is what causes the vertebrae to fuse together.

Bone substitutes eliminate the need to harvest bone grafts from the patient, thereby reducing postoperative pain and speeding recovery time. Patients are typically discharged within 24 hours of surgery, and complete healing occurs within three months instead of six.

For Additional Information / To Make An Appointment

For more information about laparoscopic spinal fusion surgery, or to make an appointment, contact:

University of Wisconsin Spine Center
UW Clinics-Research Park
621 Science Drive
Madison, WI 53711
Appointments:
(608) 265-3207 or (800) 323-8942

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Administration - University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation
First published: 07/15/02 Last updated: 08/27/08 webmaster@surgery.wisc.edu
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