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• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is open back surgery used to alleviate the symptoms produced by an impinged or irritated nerve root within the lumbar (lower) spine. It is often used to improve spinal stability for patients suffering from degenerative disc disease.

The goal of any interbody lumbar fusion surgery is to remove part of a damaged or diseased intervertebral disc and replace it with a bone graft in order to treat symptoms that include chronic sciatica, lower back pain, and tingling, numbness or muscle weakness in the lower body. To address these symptoms, the vertebrae associated with the impinged or irritated nerve root are permanently connected, or fused, to limit the chance of the vertebral body rubbing against a nerve.

The steps in a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion are:

• A relatively small (3- to 4-inch) incision is made in the back, slightly off-center, shaded to the side of the spine to be operated on
• A portion of the laminae and an entire facet joint are removed to allow access to the impinged or irritated nerve root
• Damaged or diseased disc material is removed, leaving a portion of the fibrous disc wall to help contain the bone graft
• A bone graft and interbody spacer are inserted into the area vacated by the disc material; morselized bone fills the space around the bone graft
• Metal screws are inserted in the pedicles, and metal rods are inserted into the screws to ensure vertebral stability
• If the bone graft is successful, it grows to form a bridge, or fusion, between the vertebrae

Like all open back surgery, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is associated with a long recovery period, significant scar tissue, and the risks inherent to any major surgery, including infection or excess bleeding. Many patients might find that a gentle, endoscopic procedure performed by the award-winning surgeons at Laser Spine Institute (LSI) is a more attractive alternative. Contact LSI for a free review of your MRI or CT scan and to learn how to rediscover a life without pain.

Please note: Laser Spine Institute currently does not perform endoscopic procedures on the thoracic spine.