Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical technique used for lumbar fusion. Like transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, damaged lumbar discs are removed prior to fusing the affected vertebrae together. However, TLIF is performed from the back of the spine, rather than the front of the spine. Still, the TLIF technique varies from the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) technique. With the TLIF technique, the spine is accessed through the foramen, or openings, on the side of the spine. This means that although the incision is on the back of the spine, only one side of the spine is accessed. With PLIF, the incision is towards the middle of the spine since both sides of the spine are accessed.
Did You Know?
Using a transforaminal approach avoids significant retraction of the dura and nerve roots, as well as decreases retraction of the spinal muscles. This reduces the risk of nerve and muscle damage, which makes recovery faster and less painful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery?
You may be a candidate for TLIF surgery if you have asymptomatic damaged lumbar disc. A transforaminal approach is generally used for treating degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, or stenosis. To find out if transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Pranay Patel at one of our South Bay, Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Manhattan Beach locations.
What can I expect when having transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery at Ocean Spine with Dr. Pranay Patel?
You can expect your TLIF surgery to be performed at a hospital or surgical center under general anesthesia. The first part of your surgery (discectomy) will be performed by making an incision on your back towards one side of your spine to access the affected area. Once the lumbar spine is accessed through natural openings in the spinal cord, any bone spurs or damaged discs will then be removed from this area.
The second part of the surgery (fusion) will then be performed by placing a bone graft into the empty spaces left by the removed tissues. Bone grafts may be obtained from your bone, a donor, or using a synthetic bone graft compound. To provide additional support, the bone graft is usually placed in a metal, plastic, or bone spacer or cage. The incision will then be closed with sutures.
What can I expect after having transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery?
After your surgery, you will wake up in recovery where you will be monitored as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. In most cases, you can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-3 days while you work on moving around. Oftentimes, you must be able to sit up, move, and walk in order to be discharged.
As you start the recovery process, it is normal to have some pain. Dr. Pranay Patel will provide you with the necessary pain medications to manage any post-operative discomfort. You will also be provided with a list of instructions to follow until you have recovered. Generally, these include guidelines on wearing a back brace, attending physical therapy, and avoiding activities that strain your spine, like lifting or twisting. While most patients recover in about 4-6 weeks, it takes a full 12-18 months for the vertebrae to completely fuse. Because of this, there may be certain activity restrictions that last longer than 4-6 weeks.