Minimally Invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
For patients with serious spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve compression associated with low back pain, fusion surgery is often recommended. TLIF is a type of fusion surgery that may effectively treat these conditions.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a type of minimally invasive spine stabilization surgery. This procedure stabilizes the spine by restoring the disc height and fusing the vertebrae to relieve the nerve compression.
What to Expect Before the Procedure
As with many surgical procedures, the first step is a pre-operative consultation with the physician. The spine and neck specialists at South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
Once you have understood everything and given consent for surgery, you will begin with a preoperative evaluation which may include a chest X-ray, EKG, and blood work.
Medications like aspirin or any anti-inflammatory drugs must be ceased at least 7 days before your scheduled surgery.
If you are a smoker, you should make every effort to stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and 6 weeks after surgery.
What to Expect on the Day of the Surgery
TLIF is performed under general anesthesia so you will be asleep all throughout the operation. You will be placed on a special bed, in a face-down position.
Once the anesthesia settles in, the surgeon makes one or two small incisions in your back. The length of the incision depends on the number of levels to be fused. Special tools are used to expose the back of the spine with minimal disruption and for removing the damaged disc.
The removed disc is then replaced with a fusion device. It’s typically a titanium box filled with bone graft material. To stabilize the bone graft material and promote its healing, titanium screws and rods are placed into the bones above and below the disc.
Once the process is complete, the incision is closed using resorbable stitches.
What to Expect After the Surgery
The surgery lasts about 1 to 2 hours. After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be frequently monitored.
Many patients can go home on the day of the surgery. Some may have to stay a night in the hospital before going home.
Before being discharged, you’ll be given final instructions regarding your medications, activities, and follow-ups.
To find out if minimally invasive TLIF will treat your spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve compression associated with low back pain, request an appointment with one of our specialists at the South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Spine and Neck Center. To request a same day or next day appointment, please call (772) 288-2400.