Lumbar Fusion Surgery and Missouri Workers’ Compensation

With over 30 years of expertise in Missouri workers’ compensation claims, we have the skills needed to help you get the benefits you deserve.

Arthrodesis, commonly known as lumbar fusion surgery, is a medical procedure prescribed to individuals who are suffering from chronic back pains or broken vertebrae. Back pain is one of the most treated work place related injuries, and many workers seek this type of treatment as a permanent solution for the pain. Whether you injured your back in a workplace accident, or you suffer from chronic pain due to your occupational requirements, this could be a procedure that will help you recover and return to work.

With other types of treatments for back pain available, your workers’ compensation insurance may not be cooperative when it comes to having a surgery such as this one performed. If you are having difficulty in gaining approval from the employer recommended physician for lumbar fusion surgery, give the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann a call. With over 30 years of expertise in Missouri workers’ compensation claims, we have the skills needed to help you get the benefits you deserve.

What Types of Workplace Injuries Would Lumbar Fusion be Prescribed For?

Back injuries and pain plague thousands of Missouri workers each year. Any job which requires repetitive heavy lifting can lead to spinal damage and back pain. Construction workers are also at risk for developing spinal injuries from the heavy equipment they are required to use. Accidents on the job can also cause back injury, such as a fall, materials falling on you or from a car accident.
Workers suffering from pain and a limited range of motion due to damage of the spinal cord could benefit from lumbar fusion. This procedure can be performed on any part of the back, restoring stability and relieving pain.

What Does Lumbar Fusion Entail?

The goal of lumbar fusion is to stop the motion of a vertebrae that is causing you pain. This is done by fusing adjacent vertebrae together, either with bone taken from another area of the body, or by initiating bone growth in the area so that the joint will fuse on its own. Either procedure will help to restore the range of motion in the back while reducing pain in the area.

After the surgery you may be required to wear a back brace in order to immobilize the back and allow the fusion time to establish. This could last for anywhere from six weeks to three months. You will also be told to avoid certain movements, such as bending over, twisting and lifting of items over a certain weight. These restrictions are in place to ensure that you don’t cause additional damage to the lumbar spine as it is in the process of healing.

If you are unable to work during the recovery period, the workers compensation provided by your employer should pay you a portion of your regular salary.

Seek Aggressive Representation of Your Rights

If you were injured at work and require lumbar fusion surgery, it is important to speak to a workers compensation lawyer about your legal rights and options. Please contact me, attorney James M. Hoffmann, for a free consultation about your case. I can help you get the workers compensation benefits you deserve. There are no upfront fees and I only get paid if you recover. I can analyze your case to determine if you can also file a personal injury claim.

Call today at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form.

Work Related Injuries