If you're going to fuse L3-4 why not go ahead and fuse L3-5? At L4-5 the aorta splits into the illiac arteries which makes access difficult. In the event the initial surgery doesn't work out, scar tissue and difficulty accessing L4-5 raises the chance of the surgeon cutting one of the big arteries. This is why a revision or conversion to fusion is risky at L4-5. It's something to consider. I may not be giving you the best comments but fortunately for you this forum has some real experts who may weigh in.
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Jim
2003 L5S1 Charite
1981 L5S1 Discectomy
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