Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a type of spinal surgery used to treat various conditions affecting the lumbar (lower) spine, such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spondylolisthesis. The goal of TLIF is to stabilize the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together and alleviating pain by removing the damaged disc and addressing any nerve compression.
Overview of TLIF Surgery
Approach:
TLIF is performed through a posterior approach, meaning the incision is made in the back of the patient. This approach allows access to the spine while preserving the muscles along the back.
Disc Removal:
The damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc is removed. This is done to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and create space for the fusion.
Interbody Spacer and Bone Graft:
An interbody spacer, which may be made of metal, plastic, or a composite material, is placed in the space where the disc was removed. This spacer is often filled with bone graft material to promote fusion between the adjacent vertebrae.
Instrumentation:
In addition to the spacer, the surgeon may place screws and rods to provide additional stability to the spine and support the fusion process.