Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a type of spinal fusion surgery that is performed to relieve pain and improve stability in the lower back. TLIF is typically used to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. During the surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's back and carefully moves aside the muscles and tissues to access the spine. The surgeon then removes the damaged or diseased disc between the affected vertebrae and replaces it with a bone graft or implant. The bone graft or implant is designed to promote the growth of new bone tissue, which will eventually fuse the two vertebrae together into a single, solid structure. TLIF is considered a minimally invasive surgery, which typically results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open spinal surgery. 

During a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), the patient is typically put under general anesthesia. The surgeon will then make a small incision in the lower back and gently move aside the muscles and tissues to access the spine. This is done to minimize the amount of disruption to the surrounding tissues, which helps to reduce postoperative pain and speed up recovery time.

The surgeon will then carefully remove the damaged or diseased disc between the affected vertebrae and replace it with a bone graft or implant. This bone graft or implant is designed to promote the growth of new bone tissue, which will eventually fuse the two vertebrae together into a single, solid structure. In addition to the bone graft or implant, the surgeon may also use screws, rods, or plates to hold the vertebrae together while the bone fuses. Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures or staples, and the patient will be taken to a recovery room for monitoring. TLIF may be done in a minimally invasive fashion, meaning that it typically results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open spinal surgery. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks and complications that should be discussed with your surgeon.