Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a procedure used to replace a damaged disc and restore structural integrity to the vertebrae of the lumbar spine. The procedure is minimally invasive, and surgeons use a posterior approach to access the spine and a lateral point of entry to access the damaged disc. By doing so, the surgeon can push away muscles and ligaments without cutting them, reducing blood loss, pain, and healing times.
During the procedure, the surgeon will use long, tube-like instruments to reach the foramina of the targeted vertebrae and remove the disc material with less damage to the surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues. The surgeon will shave away bone material to broaden the foraminal openings, increasing the space needed to allow for decompression of the nerves. Then, the surgeon will remove the damaged intervertebral disc and implant a bone graft in the empty space. The bone graft can be derived from the patient’s pelvic bone, a donor bone supply, or synthetic materials that mimic the structural efficiency of bony tissue.
After installing the implant, the surgeon will insert fusion hardware using screws, plates, and rods to reinforce the maturing bone graft during the healing process. The procedure has several advantages over more invasive surgeries, such as smaller incisions, less pain, external scarring, and shorter hospital stays of 1 to 2 days for most patients. Additionally, minimally invasive techniques lead to less damage to surrounding tissues, which greatly reduces recovery time.
If you are suffering from nerve compression caused by damaged discs or vertebrae in your spine, then TLIF may be the right surgical option for you. However, there are certain conditions that may exclude someone from receiving a TLIF surgery, such as infections near the proposed surgical site, failed fusions in the past, or severe vertebral instability. Consult with a physician at the Advanced Spine Center to learn about your recovery options.