Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion or PLIF is a type of spinal fusion in which the surgeon accesses and repairs the lower spine (lumbar area) from the back (posterior part) of the patient’s body. PLIF is commonly performed for a variety of painful spinal conditions, such as spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease.
PLIF involves adding bone graft to an area of the spine to set up a biological response that causes the bone to grow between the two vertebral elements and stopping the motion at that segment.
Who can Benefit from PLIF?
If you have any of the following, you may benefit from PLIF:
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Fractures to the vertebrae
• Spinal deformities such as scoliosis
• Spinal weakness as a result of infections or tumors
• Spondylolisthesis
What Can You Expect During the Surgery?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. You will be placed in a special type of bed in a prone position (lying on your belly). The surgical area (the lower back) is prepped before the surgeon makes an incision in the midline.
The surgeon uses a retractor to have a better view and access of the area. An X-ray is used to confirm the identified spinal level.
Special tools are used to carefully remove arthritic and hypertrophic (overgrown) bone spurs. Another set of specialized instruments are used to restore the normal height of the disc and determine the appropriate size of spacer to be placed.
A bone spacer is carefully placed in the disc space. Small metal rods and screws are placed in the upper and lower vertebral bodies to provide stability to the healing bones.
What Can You Expect After the Surgery?
Most PLIF patients can go home 3-5 days after the surgery. Before being discharged, physical therapists and occupational therapists will provide safe techniques on how to get in and out of bed, and how to walk independently.
You will also be given instructions regarding your medications, wound care, activities, and follow-ups.
If you think you may benefit from PLIF, request an appointment with the board certified spine and neck specialists at South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Our team is committed to staying current on tools and offering techniques that will give you the most efficient and functional result possible so you can Feel Better Faster.
Call (772) 288-2400 to request a same day or next day appointment.