Lumbar spinal fusion. Pins and screws?

The surgery planned for you is 2 level fusion and as such, it is fairly extensive for someone of your age. The decision to proceed with surgery has to be taken after considering what is your ultimate goal of getting the surgery done. If it is for relief of back pain, then there are limitations for this. If this is for relieving leg pain and nerve compression, then it has better outcomes to an extent. Have you exhausted all non surgical options available to you? The fusion surgery will have limitations to your lifestyle. The active lifestyle that you aspire to may be limited. Professionally being a Paediatric PA, is not going to be an issue But other adventure sports may become difficult. You have to understand that each person is different and it may eventually be possible for you, but we go by the accepted norms of what people have been able to do. Having fusion surgery at your age also means that you may end up having more surgery in the future. Each additional surgery comes with its own risks. As long as you are aware what are the goals of treatment, there can be limitations and all other options have been either exhausted or not sustainable, then surgery may be the last port of call. Hope this helps. Dr Vinu Raj MBBS MRCS FRCS(Trauma&Orthopaedics) Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon