Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat conditions including disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis (when a vertebra slips onto the bone below it). The vertebrae are accessed and the damaged disc is partially removed so that a spacer can be inserted into the disc space. A bone graft may be inserted to establish stability that will result in a permanent fusion.   In some cases screws and rods are required.  Many TLIF procedures take between three to six hours to complete.

TLIF stabilizes both the disc space and lateral aspects of the spine and provides advantages over other forms of surgery. The insertion of the spacer allows for body height to be maintained while reducing nerve pressure.  Unlike more invasive techniques, TLIF produces smaller scars and reduces the potential for blood loss.  Most patients return home a few days following surgery.  Activity levels, pain management and care of the incision will be thoroughly discussed with the patient prior to and after the procedure.