Overview
Lumbar fusion joins two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain from instability or deformity.

Indications
Spondylolisthesis, severe degenerative disc disease, or instability not responding to conservative treatment.

Procedure overview
Bone graft and instrumentation (screws/rods) are used to promote fusion.

Recovery
Hospital stay followed by gradual rehabilitation; full fusion can take months.

Risks and complications
Non‑union, infection, hardware failure, and adjacent segment disease.

Alternatives
Non‑surgical management or decompression without fusion in select cases.