Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) Surgery in Dallas, TX

What Is A Minimally Invasive PLIF?

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a type of spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the back (posterior) of the body to place bone graft material between two adjacent vertebrae (interbody) to promote bone growth that joins together, or “fuses,” the two structures (fusion). The bone graft material acts as a bridge, or scaffold, on which new bone can grow. The ultimate goal of the procedure is to restore spinal stability.

Today, a PLIF may be performed using minimally invasive spine surgery, which allows the surgeon to use small incisions and gently separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cutting them. Traditional, open spine surgery involves cutting or stripping the muscles from the spine. A minimally invasive approach preserves the surrounding muscular and vascular function and minimizes scarring.

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

A spinal fusion procedure such as a PLIF may be recommended as a surgical treatment option for patients with a condition causing spinal instability in their lower back, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis, that has not responded to conservative treatment measures (rest, physical therapy or medication). The symptoms of lumbar spinal instability may include pain, numbness and/or muscle weakness in the low back, hips and legs.

Your surgeon will take a number of factors into consideration before recommending a PLIF, including the condition to be treated, your age, health and lifestyle and your anticipated level of activity following surgery. Please discuss this treatment option thoroughly with your spinal care provider.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

How Is Minimally Invasive Lumber Interbody Fusion Performed?

Spinal Access and Bone Removal

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
First, your surgeon will make a small incision in the skin of your back over the vertebra(e) to be treated. Depending on the bone graft to be used, the incision could be as small as approximately 3 centimeters. In a traditional open PLIF, a 3- to 6-inch incision is typically required.

The muscles surrounding the spine will then be dilated to allow access to the section of spine to be stabilized. After the spine is accessed, the lamina (the “roof” of the vertebra) is removed to allow visualization of the nerve roots. The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may be trimmed to give the nerve roots more room.

Bone Graft Placement

The nerve roots are then moved to one side and disc material is removed from the front (anterior) of the spine. Bone graft is then inserted into the disc space. Screws and rods are inserted to stabilize the spine while the treated area heals and fusion occurs.

Your surgeon will then close the incision, which typically leaves behind only a small scar or scars.

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

All treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood clots, blood loss and bowel and bladder problems, along with complications associated with anesthesia, are some of the potential risks of spinal surgery. A potential risk inherent to spinal fusion is failure of the vertebral bone and graft to properly fuse, a condition that may require additional surgery.

Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse effects, clinical results and other important medical information that pertains to a minimally invasive PLIF procedure.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“Dr. Farley and staff have been extremely helpful and responsive to any questions or concerns I may have. Excellent team and Facility!”

- Robert

"Fantastic practice! One of the first times that I was seen at the doctor's office at the exact time of my appointment. Great & very caring staff. It was definitely a very good experience!!"

- Jeff

"The Comprehensive Spine Center has wonderful caring staff. The doctors, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, medical assistants, and the front staff show respect, compassion, and understanding regarding your injury. The staff listens and explains your injury, results, and plan of care. They are amazing!!"

- Rebecca

“Very positive experience. DO’s really care about their patients well-being and recognize when something is terribly wrong. Thank you for truly caring and letting me know it’s not all about the $$$$.”

- Dorothy

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

Start Your Treatment

Our Dallas Area Locations

What Is A Minimally Invasive PLIF?

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

How Is Minimally Invasive Lumber Interbody Fusion Performed?

Spinal Access and Bone Removal

Bone Graft Placement

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

What Our Clients Have to Say

Ready to Get Started?

North Dallas Office

Fort Worth Office

Allen Office

Arlington Office

Frisco Office

Lancaster Office

Mesquite Office