Educational overview. Not medical advice.
Lumbar fusion is a common orthopedic procedure aimed at alleviating back pain and stabilizing the spine. In Longmont, CO, a city with a stable population of approximately 89,919 and a median age slightly younger than the U.S. average, the demand for orthopedic services is driven by active lifestyles and aging demographics.
Longmont Overview
Longmont is served by several healthcare facilities, including the Longmont United Hospital and nearby Boulder Community Health. While there are no major academic medical centers in the city, residents often rely on tertiary centers in Boulder and Denver for specialized orthopedic care.
In Longmont, dominant commercial insurers include Anthem and UnitedHealthcare, with a significant portion of the population enrolled in Medicare. This is important as Medicare penetration is higher than national averages, impacting access to joint replacement procedures.
Active Lifestyles Many residents engage in outdoor sports, leading to increased injury rates.
Ageing Population The growing number of seniors often requires more orthopedic interventions.
Transportation Logistics Good access to care facilities encourages timely treatment.
Rehabilitation Density A variety of rehab options are available, facilitating recovery.
Lumbar fusion involves joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine. Common variations include anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF), each suited for different conditions and patient needs.
Patients typically consider lumbar fusion after exhausting non-surgical options like physical therapy, medications, and injections. Alternatives include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell treatments, and adipose allografts, which aim to alleviate pain without surgery.
The procedure generally starts with an incision in the lower back, followed by preparation of the affected joint. Surgeons then place implants to stabilize the spine, ensuring proper alignment before closing the incision.
Recovery typically spans several weeks. Initial phases focus on pain management and immobilization, followed by gradual motion exercises and strengthening activities, ultimately leading to a return to regular activities.
Patients often compare surgeons based on experience, facility logistics, and rehabilitation coordination. TopOrthoDocs serves as an educational platform for research, highlighting that more experience can lead to safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.
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