Posterior Lumbar Interbody

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a welding process. The basic idea is to fuse together the painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. Spinal fusion is a treatment option when motion is the source of the pain — the theory being that if the painful vertebrae do not move, they should not hurt.

Two common types are :-

• Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
• Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

In posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), your surgeon inserts the spacer or cage from the back of the spine. With this approach, your surgeon gains access to your spine by removing the bone (lamina) and then retracting (moving) the nerve roots to one side. Then the back of the intervertebral disk can be removed and a spacer inserted.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

This technique is a variation of PLIF. In transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), your surgeon approaches the disk space slightly more from the side. The advantage of this approach is that it requires less movement of the nerve roots; thus, theoretically, it decreases the chance of nerve injury.

The potential advantages of a posterior/transforaminal lumbar fusion include:

• Direct access to the bone putting pressure on the nerves
• When performing a revision surgery, allows the surgeon to remove previous hardware
• Improved alignment of the spinal bones

Possible disadvantages include:

• Nerve damage, which can result in weakness in the leg
• Potential for the cage to move, putting pressure on the nerves
• Hematoma, or bleeding into the muscle, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause weakness