What procedure is recommended for lumbar spinal fusion?

Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure aimed at creating a solid, immobile connection between vertebrae in the lower back. It is typically performed to stabilize the spine in cases of degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or other conditions that can cause pain and instability. The procedure is designed to enhance stability in the lower back, which helps relieve pain and enables patients to regain function.

Lower back stabilization, therefore, is the purpose of lumbar spinal fusion, making it the correct choice. In contrast, the other options involve different areas and purposes of surgery. Hip replacement focuses on the hip joint, neck surgery addresses issues in the cervical spine, and shoulder repair pertains to injuries or conditions affecting the shoulder joint. All these alternatives do not relate to the goal of stabilizing the lumbar region of the spine, which is directly relevant to lumbar spinal fusion.