Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery in Dallas, TX

What Is A Minimally Invasive TLIF?

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a form of spine surgery in which the lumbar spine is approached through an incision in the back. The name of the procedure is derived from: transforaminal (through the foramen), lumbar (lower back), interbody (implants or bone graft placed between two vertebral bodies) and fusion (spinal stabilization).

The TLIF is a variation of the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), in that it provides 360-degree fusion, avoids anterior access and associated complications, decreases manipulation of neural structures, reduces damage to ligamentous elements, minimizes excessive bone removal, enhances biomechanical stability, and provides early mobilization.

Traditional, open spine surgery involves cutting or stripping the muscles from the spine. But today, a TLIF may be performed using minimally invasive spine surgery, a treatment that involves small incisions and muscle dilation, allowing the surgeon to gently separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cutting them. 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 TLIF 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, which 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 TLIF, 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.

How Is A Minimally Invasive TLIF Performed?

Spinal Access and Bone Removal‍

First, your surgeon will make a small incision in the skin of your back over the vertebra(e) to be treated. Depending on the instrumentation to be used, the incision could be as small as approximately 3 centimeters. In a traditional open TLIF, 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 Material Placement‍

The nerve roots are then moved to one side and the disc material removed from the front (anterior) of the spine. A bone graft is then inserted into the disc space. The bone graft material acts as a bridge, or scaffold, on which new bone can grow. Screws and rods are inserted to stabilize the spine while the treated area heals and fusion occurs, and the ultimate goal of the procedure is to restore spinal stability.

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 TLIF procedure.

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Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

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What Is A Minimally Invasive TLIF?

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

How Is A Minimally Invasive TLIF Performed?

Spinal Access and Bone Removal‍

Bone Graft Material Placement‍

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

What Our Clients Have to Say

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