The Riskiest Spinal Fusion Site? L5-S1
19 Jul 2025 · 1 min

0:56
This YouTube video (creator: Jeff Langmaid) assesses risks of spinal fusion at the L5–S1 level, emphasizing high rates of nerve-related complications—especially during deformity correction. Key reported figures in the clip: ~18% risk for nerve injury in spinal deformity cases, up to 38% in adult patients with deformity, and sympathetic nerve injuries up to 45% depending on surgical approach. The speaker warns clinicians to weigh recommendations carefully when discussing surgery with patients.
Questions this video answers
L5–S1 (referred to in transcript as L.S.)
About 18 percent ("fast 18 Prozent").
Up to 38 percent.
Up to 45 percent.










