Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

What is transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat several spine-related conditions. It relieves pressure on your spinal nerves and restabilizes your vertebrae, preventing further damage to your intervertebral discs.

What types of problems can transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion treat?

Coastal Spine uses TLIF to treat various problems that affect the lumbar spine (lower back), including:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs
• Vertebral fractures
• Spinal deformities (scoliosis and kyphosis)
• Spinal weakness or instability

Coastal Spine uses TLIF surgery to treat spondylolisthesis, which causes a vertebra to slip on top of another.

Who is a candidate for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

Consider transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion if you have lower back pain, weakness, or instability caused by a previously mentioned condition, and it doesn’t improve with conservative treatments.

What does transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery involve?

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a minimally invasive procedure that takes one to two hours.

After administering a general anesthetic, your Coastal Spine surgeon makes two small incisions in your lower back. They carefully remove some of your bone, tissue, and the damaged or diseased portion of your intervertebral disc.

Next, your provider inserts a cage with a bone graft into the space where your disc used to be. They attach rods and screws to support the spacer and stabilize your surrounding vertebrae.

Once the graft and cage are positioned, your surgeon removes their tools, closes the incision, and moves you to a recovery room for observation.

What is recovery like after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

TLIF is minimally invasive but requires several nights of recovery in the hospital.

It’s normal to have pain, swelling, and bruising near the surgical sites. Your surgeon has you enroll in physical therapy right away. Staying active after surgery reduces the risk of blood clots and helps your body heal.

During the first few weeks, you must avoid strenuous activities. Take your medication as prescribed, follow your surgeon’s instructions, and attend post-surgery checkups.

After about six weeks, most people can return to their normal routine (including exercise).

Call the nearest Coastal Spine office today to learn more about transforaminal lumbar interfusion, or make your appointment online.