Why Choose Dr. Kelly Bridges for Lumbar Decompression and Fusion?
If you live in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, Dr. Kelly Bridges is a trusted expert in spine surgery. Many patients also travel from outside the region to benefit from her highly specialized approach to surgical care. Here’s why so many patients trust her expertise:
- Precision and Expertise: Extensive experience performing complex spine surgeries with excellent patient outcomes.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Every treatment plan is customized to ensure the best possible results.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: Dr. Bridges integrates precise, evidence-based surgical techniques to optimize recovery.
- Ethical and Conservative Care: Surgery is only recommended when it’s the best course of action for the patient’s health.
Exceptional Patient Support: A dedicated team ensures seamless communication and comprehensive post-operative care.
Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion: Restoring Stability and Relieving Pain
Chronic lower back pain, nerve compression, and spinal instability can significantly impact your ability to move and function comfortably. Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to relieve nerve pressure while stabilizing the spine. If conservative treatments have not provided relief, this procedure may be the solution to help you regain mobility and quality of life.
If you live in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or anywhere near the Treasure Valley, Dr. Kelly Bridges offers expert surgical care and advanced spine treatments to help patients find long-term relief. Many individuals also travel from outside the region to seek her specialized approach to spine surgery.
What Is Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion?
Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion is a two-part surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on spinal nerves and stabilizing the spine. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as:
- Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, causing instability and nerve compression.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Breakdown of spinal discs leading to chronic pain and loss of spinal integrity.
Herniated Discs with Instability: When a damaged disc not only compresses a nerve but also compromises spinal stability.
Common Questions About Lumbar Decompression
How Does Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion Work?
This procedure consists of two key steps:
- Lumbar Decompression (Laminectomy or Foraminotomy):
- A portion of the lamina (the back part of the vertebra) is removed to relieve nerve compression.
- Bone spurs or herniated disc material may also be cleared away to free up space for the spinal cord and nerves.
- Instrumented Spinal Fusion:
- A bone graft or synthetic spacer is placed to maintain proper alignment and encourage fusion of the vertebrae.
- Instrumentation (screws, rods, or plates) is used to stabilize the spine while the bones fuse together over time.
This fusion process creates a strong, stable spinal structure, preventing further instability and reducing pain.
Benefits of Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion
Patients undergoing this procedure often experience life-changing results, including:
✔ Pain Relief – Reduction or elimination of nerve pain, numbness, and weakness.
✔ Improved Mobility – Increased ability to walk, stand, and engage in daily activities without discomfort.
✔ Spinal Stability – The fusion prevents excessive motion between vertebrae, reducing strain on the spine.
✔ Long-Term Results – With proper healing, this surgery provides lasting pain relief and structural support.
Who Is a Candidate for Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion?
This procedure may be recommended if:
- You have severe nerve compression that has not improved with non-surgical treatments.
- Your spine shows signs of instability that require additional reinforcement.
- You experience persistent pain, numbness, or weakness that limits your ability to perform daily activities.
- Imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, CT scan) confirm a condition that may benefit from both decompression and fusion.
Dr. Bridges provides expert consultations for patients in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and beyond, ensuring a personalized approach to each patient’s spinal condition.
What to Expect During Recovery
Most patients experience significant pain relief shortly after surgery, with gradual improvement over time. While recovery varies based on individual factors, here’s a general timeline:
- Hospital Stay: Most patients stay 2-3 days in the hospital for initial recovery.
- Early Recovery (First Few Weeks): Patients are encouraged to walk early in recovery, gradually increasing activity levels while avoiding heavy lifting and excessive bending for 12 weeks to protect spinal healing.
- Activity Guidelines: While a brace and mild activity restrictions will be necessary for 12 weeks, many patients resume light activities within days to a couple of weeks after surgery.
- Long-Term Healing: The fusion process continues over several months, but most patients feel substantial symptom relief early in the recovery process.
Dr. Bridges provides personalized recovery plans to ensure each patient heals as efficiently and comfortably as possible.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
If you’ve been struggling with chronic back pain, nerve compression, or spinal instability, Lumbar Decompression with Instrumented Fusion may be the right solution for you. Whether you live in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or are traveling for expert care, Dr. Kelly Bridges is here to help.
📞 Call (208) 327-5600 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation today. Let’s work together to restore your mobility and quality of life!