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Lumbar Procedures in Carmel, IN PLDF (Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion)

Introduction to Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion (PLDF)

Stabilize the Lumbar Spine from a Posterior Approach

Posterior lumbar decompression and fusion (PLDF) relieves pressure on the nerves and stabilizes the treated part of the spine.​

Dr. Peter Swiatek at Indiana Spine Group offers personalized spine care for patients in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN. He will review each patient’s condition, symptoms, and spinal anatomy to decide whether PLDF or another treatment is best.

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What Is PLDF?

PLDF is a surgery that treats two issues at once: pressure on the spinal nerves and instability in the lower back.

During decompression, Dr. Swiatek removes bone, ligament, or tissue that is narrowing the spinal canal or nerve roots. This gives the nerves more space.

The fusion part of the surgery helps stabilize the spine. Screws and rods may be placed in the bones, and a bone graft may be used to help the bones heal together. Sometimes, an interbody implant such as a metallic cage is also used.

PLDF can treat conditions like spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and some spinal deformities.

Who Are the Best Candidates for PLDF?

PLDF may be an option for people with lower back problems that include both nerve compression and instability.​

You might be a candidate for PLDF if you:​

  • Have Significant Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: This narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve pathways can cause ongoing leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. If a significant amount of bone removal is needed to decompress nerves, a PLDF may be indicated to prevent instability after decompression.
  • Have Spinal Instability or Spondylolisthesis: If the bones in your spine move abnormally, decompression alone might not be enough.
  • Have Ongoing Symptoms: If back or leg problems keep you from working, exercising, walking, or doing daily activities, you may need more evaluation.

PLDF is not the right choice for everyone with lower back and leg pain and/or weakness. Dr. Swiatek will look at the cause of your symptoms, test results, spinal stability, your health, and your goals before recommending fusion.

What Are the Benefits of PLDF?

When it is the right choice, PLDF can treat both nerve compression and spinal instability in one surgery.

Some benefits of PLDF are:

  • Relief from Nerve Compression: Taking pressure off the spinal nerves can help with leg pain, numbness, tingling, and other nerve symptoms.
  • Spinal Stabilization: Fusion and hardware can help steady a part of the spine that is unstable or moving abnormally.
  • Treating More Than One Spinal Problem: PLDF can help with issues like spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis if they happen at the same time.
  • Possible Improvement in Function: By fixing the cause of your symptoms, surgery may help you stand, walk, and do daily activities with less discomfort.
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How to Begin Your PLDF Journey

If you have a lumbar condition that might need decompression and fusion, meeting with Dr. Swiatek can help you learn more about PLDF.

To get started:

  • Set up a visit with Dr. Swiatek at Indiana Spine Group in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, or Kokomo: You’ll talk about your symptoms, medical history, past treatments, and how your condition affects your daily life.
  • Get Diagnostic Imaging: Tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans can help find nerve compression, instability, degeneration, or spinal deformity.
  • Look at Both Non-surgical and Surgical Options: Dr. Swiatek will determine whether conservative care can help enough or whether surgery should be considered.
  • Create a Surgical Plan: If PLDF is right for you, Dr. Swiatek will explain the surgery, what recovery looks like, possible risks, and any other needed procedures.

What to Expect on the Day of PLDF Surgery

After anesthesia, Dr. Swiatek will reach the affected part of your spine through an incision in your back. The decompression part will remove anything pressing on your nerves. This typically involves a laminectomy procedure along with possible removal of the joints or facet joints in the back.

For the fusion part, bone graft and hardware will be used to steady the affected bones. Screws and rods are often used, and sometimes an interbody implant is added. Your own bone that is removed during the decompression portion of the procedure is added along the sides of the spine to promote fusion. When the surgery is finished, the incision will be closed from the inside-out, and you will be taken to recovery.

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PLDF Recovery

Your Guide to Post-PLDF Care

Recovery time depends on how many levels were treated, whether you had other procedures, your health, and how your body heals.​

Walking is encouraged during recovery, but you may need to avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting at first.

It’s normal to have pain and soreness around the surgery site while you recover. Nerve symptoms may get better after decompression, but numbness or weakness can take longer to go away.

Spinal fusion also requires time for the vertebrae to heal together. Dr. Swiatek will monitor your progress through follow-up appointments and provide instructions about gradually returning to normal activities.

How Much Does PLDF Cost in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN?

The cost of PLDF in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo, IN, depends on your condition and the complexity of the surgery. Most insurance plans cover procedures involving PLDF.

To find out more about PLDF or to set up a consultation with Dr. Swiatek, call (317) 428-5040.

Philosophy

Why Choose Dr. Swiatek?

Dr. Peter Swiatek is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon who treats conditions of the neck, mid-back, and lower back. He specializes in degenerative spine problems, spinal deformity, trauma, herniated discs, failed spine surgery, and revision procedures.

​Dr. Swiatek tailors spine care to each patient. He prefers non-surgical treatments when possible, instead of always recommending surgery. If surgery is needed, he aims to fix the main problem with the least amount of surgery required. Dr. Swiatek is apart of AAOS, NASS, and the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS).

For patients in Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, and Kokomo considering PLDF, Dr. Swiatek provides individualized evaluation and treatment through Indiana Spine Group.

PLDF (Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Fusion) FAQ’S

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He also specializes in repairing failed spine surgeries and revision spine procedures. Dr. Swiatek tailors his treatment plans to the needs of each of his patients, with a focus on non-operative management whenever possible. When surgery is necessary.

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