What is TLIF Surgery?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF surgery) is a surgical technique our neurosurgeons used to stabilize the spinal vertebrae and the discs (shock absorber) between them. Spinal fusion surgery was developed in order to create a solid bone structure between the adjoining vertebrae. This effectively eliminates any movement between the bones and can significantly reduce back pain and nerve irritation for patients.
TLIF surgery has been recommended for a range of spinal conditions including:
How TLIF Surgery Works
In order to perform TLIF surgery, a neurosurgeon will need to assess the problem area through the back part of the spine.
- Specific surgical hardware is used to help improve the rate of fusion in the spine. Once accessible, the surgeon will attach pedicle screws and rods to the back of the vertebrae. then, and interbody fusion spacer is inserted into the disk space from the side of the spine.
- The next step in the procedure is placing a bone graft into the interbody space. This graph is placed alongside the back of the vertebrae that are going to be fused. the surgical team will obtain this bone graft from the patient’s pelvis. if for some reason this is not possible, then we do have bone graft substitutes that can be used.
- As this heals, the vertebrae are fused above and below; forming one long bone.
Are you interested in getting TLIF surgery in Florida? Florida Surgery Consultants runs outpatient surgical centers in seven convenient locations around Central Florida.
During TLIF surgery, the front (anterior) and back (posterior) columns of the spine are fused through a single posterior approach.
- The bone graft and interbody spacer are responsible for stabilizing the anterior portion of the spine.
- The pedicle screws and rods work in combination with the bone graft to lock the posterior column in place.
What Are the Benefits of TLIF Surgery?
TLIF surgery can successfully relieve chronic back pain and make a real difference in a patient’s overall quality of life. Florida Surgery Consultants has an experienced team of neurosurgeons capable of performing this spinal fusion procedure any of our 7 outpatient surgical centers in Central Florida.
We understand that patients who require TLIF surgery will have some concerns about what to expect from a serious surgical operation on the spine. That is why we make every effort to provide comprehensive information on our website. If any of your questions have not been answered here on this page, then please do not hesitate to contact us at (888) 411-6824. You can also use our online contact form too easily schedule a surgical consultation at the surgery center most convenient for you.
TLIF Fusion
TLIF surgery has several advantages over other lumbar fusion procedures:
- Placing the bone graph along the gutters of the spine posteriorly and in the disc space helps to enhance the effectiveness of the bone fusion.
- Surgeons also place a spacer into the disk space which helps to restore normal height and opens up nerve for mina to relieve pressure that has been applied to the nerve roots.
- Compared to a PLIF procedure, the TLIF procedure allows our surgeons to Insert bone graft and spacer into the disk space using a unilateral approach. This is done without having to forcefully retract the nerve roots to the extent that’s done in a PLIF procedure. This reduces the risk of injury and scarring for our patients.
Please note that you will need to pass TLIF surgery medical clearance, just like with any type of lumbar spine fusion. If you are a smoker, then you will need to quit. You may also be required to donate some blood prior to the procedure as a precautionary step. If you have any questions about these restrictions for this procedure, then please contact us at (888) 411-6824.
Do You Need TLIF Surgery in Florida?
This type of lumbar spine fusion is recommended for patient suffering from debilitating low back pain. If you have been suffering from chronic back pain and non-surgical forms of treatment have not helped, we may recommend TLIF surgery.
Spinal conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and recurrent disc herniations tend to produce chronic pain and could indicate that you are a candidate for this type of back surgery.
If you are considering TLIF surgery in Florida, it is important for you to consult with a local neurosurgeon and speak to them about your concerns. They can advise you on whether you would benefit from this type of lumbar spinal fusion.
Recovery Time After TLIF Surgery in Florida
For patients that undergo TLIF surgery, they can expect their stay at our surgical center to average 3 to 5 days. Some patients may also require a blood transfusion after the procedure. Your physical therapy will be scheduled to commence the day after your TLIF surgery. This is an essential step in order to get you mobilized after your surgery. In some instances, a spinal brace may be applied.
After you’ve been discharged from the surgical center, it is recommended that you limit your daily activity and stick to the pain medication prescription that has been provided. Patients are also scheduled for a follow-up with their neurosurgeon several weeks after the procedure. most people will be able to return to their job a normal daily schedule within 4 to 6 weeks. However, this greatly depends on your line of work.
As with any surgery, there are inherent risks, though they are rare. Your provider will discuss these with you prior to surgery.
Your TLIF Surgery Consultation With Florida Surgery Consultants
At Florida Surgery Consultants, our spinal neurosurgeons are extremely experienced in the evaluation and performance of all types of spinal fusion. Dr. Jonathan Hall and Dr. Donna Saatman are board certified experts in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).
