Educational overview. Not medical advice.
Lumbar fusion is a common orthopedic procedure aimed at alleviating pain and stabilizing the spine. In Paterson, NJ, a city with a stable population of approximately 145,948, orthopedic demand is driven by the prevalence of degenerative disc disease and work-related injuries. With a median age slightly higher than the U.S. average, the need for lumbar fusion is significant.
Paterson Overview
Paterson has several healthcare facilities, including St. Joseph's University Medical Center and Paterson Medical Center. While there is no major academic center in the city, residents often rely on nearby tertiary hospitals for specialized orthopedic care.
Dominant commercial insurers in Paterson include Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, with Medicare penetration slightly above national norms. This is essential for joint replacement procedures, as it impacts patient access to necessary treatments.
Active Lifestyle: Many residents engage in physically demanding jobs that increase the risk of spinal issues.
Transportation Logistics: Proximity to major highways makes access to orthopedic care easier.
Injury Patterns: A high incidence of work-related injuries leads to increased demand for surgical interventions.
Rehab Density: A variety of rehabilitation services support recovery post-surgery.
Lumbar fusion typically involves joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion and reduce pain. Common variations include anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) and posterior lumbar fusion (PLF), each suited for different conditions.
Patients often consider lumbar fusion after exhausting non-surgical options like physical therapy, medications, and injections. Treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy, and adipose allografts may be explored before deciding on surgery.
The surgical process generally starts with an incision, followed by joint preparation and implant placement. Surgeons then balance soft tissues before closing the incision to ensure proper recovery.
Recovery phases typically include early pain management and immobilization, followed by gradual motion and strengthening. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few months, depending on individual progress.
Patients usually compare options based on experience with the procedure, facility logistics, and rehab coordination. TopOrthoDocs serves as an educational platform for research, emphasizing that more experience often leads to safer surgeries and smoother recoveries.
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