Fusion is a biological process, but it begins with a mechanical challenge. Before a solid fusion develops, the treated segment must be kept sufficiently stable to limit unwanted motion. Posterior fixation provides that support, and at a mechanically demanding level such as L5–S1, achieving reliable immediate stability becomes an important part of the construct. Traditionally, greater fixation has often meant more instrumentation—additional screws, bilateral fixation, and connecting rods...

Athletes train before competition. Should patients train before spine surgery? Much of the spine surgery pathway focuses on what happens after the procedure mobilization, rehabilitation, pain management, and return to activity. But growing interest in prehabilitation is shifting part of that focus to the weeks before surgery. The question is no longer only how patients recover after an operation, but whether they can be better prepared for it. What Is Prehabilitation? Prehabilitation, or...

Discectomy removes the herniated tissue—but what happens to the annular defect left behind? With limited intrinsic healing, the annular defect can remain a potential route for recurrent extrusion. The next technological challenge therefore extends beyond decompression: can the annulus be securely sealed while preserving the function of the remaining disc? From Blocking the Defect to Repairing It The first solutions were largely mechanical: bring the damaged tissue together or place a barrier...