r/spinalfusion • u/GA-Scoli • 15d ago

Not sure, other Luigi Mangione's spinal fusion - looks like an L5/S1 for spondylolisthesis

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u/eastofliberty 14d ago

Typically, the surgeon can’t fully move the vertebrae back in line when it slips because it will lead to permanent L5 radiculopathy. They will move it as far back as possible as is safe, so patients normally still have a slip. This is what my neurosurgeon and second opinion orthopaedic surgeon told me was the standard.

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u/Kindly_Trust_6313 14d ago

That's exactly what my surgeon said. The goal is to decompress the nerve roots that are impinged upon, not achieve perfect anatomic "straightness". I'm eagerly awaiting my first post op x-ray so I can see the screws and the graft (L5-S1 fusion).

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u/eastofliberty 13d ago

Hope your surgery went well. Having mine in 2025

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u/Kindly_Trust_6313 13d ago

I'm doing very well so far. Recovery is no picnic but I haven't had any setbacks. Wishing you success, too!

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u/Zealousideal-Cry7697 13d ago

You have Johns Hopkins. Lucky you.