What is transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery?
Spine Disorders A Transforaminal Interbody Lumbar Fusion is a particular type of fusion, or surgical procedure that permanently fuses, or unites, bones of the spine. The fusion is achieved using bone graft: bone material either acquired from a bone bank or transplanted from elsewhere in the patient’s own body.
How is TLIF surgery performed?
TLIF procedure is performed through a posterior incision exposing the back of the spine. Pedicle screws are placed into the vertebra. Exposure of the disc space is done on one side by removing the facet joints and protecting the nerve roots. The disc space is entered and disc material is removed.
What is interbody technique?
An interbody fusion is a type of spinal fusion that involves removing the intervertebral disk from the disk space. In an interbody fusion, the intervertebral disk is removed. When the disk space has been cleared out, your surgeon will implant a metal, plastic, or bone spacer between the two adjoining vertebrae.
What is a transforaminal approach?
In theory, the transforaminal approach allows the injection needle to reach the closest possible position to either the distal nerve root or the anterior portion of the epidural space.
How long is a TLIF procedure?
The length of this procedure depends on the number of levels that are being fused. A one level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion typically takes between 2-3 hours.
What are interbody fusion devices?
An interbody fusion cage (colloquially known as a “spine cage”) is a prosthesis used in spinal fusion procedures to maintain foraminal height and decompression. They are cylindrical or square-shaped devices, and usually threaded.
What is the difference between an epidural and a transforaminal epidural?
An epidural is an injection that is given in the space just outside the membrane that protects the spinal cord. A transforaminal epidural injection numbs the spinal nerves and can also be used to diagnose the type of pain the patient is experiencing.
How is a transforaminal injection done?
The doctor will numb an area of skin on your lower back with a local anesthetic. Then, guided by an x-ray, he or she will: Insert a thin needle into your lower back, targeting the specific nerve root causing your pain. Inject a mixture of anesthetic (for temporary pain relief) and steroid (for longer term relief)
How serious is TLIF surgery?
Potential Risks and Complications for TLIF Back Surgery Medical complications include pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. While complications are not common, there is no guarantee that spinal fusion will be completely successful. TLIF usually results in solid bone fusion with good pain improvement.
How is lumbar fusion done?
During spinal fusion, your surgeon places bone or a bonelike material within the space between two spinal vertebrae. Metal plates, screws and rods may be used to hold the vertebrae together, so they can heal into one solid unit.
What is spinal fusion surgery called?
Vertebral interbody fusion; Posterior spinal fusion; Arthrodesis; Anterior spinal fusion; Spine surgery – spinal fusion; Low back pain – fusion; Herniated disk – fusion; Spinal stenosis – fusion; Laminectomy – fusion; Cervical spinal fusion; Lumbar spinal fusion.
Do transforaminal injections hurt?
Will the transforaminal injection hurt? The transforaminal injection involves inserting a needle through skin and deeper tissues. There is some pain involved. However, we often numb the skin and deeper tissues with a local anesthetic using a very thin needle before inserting the injection needle.
What is transformational lumbar interbody fusion?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is is an adaptation of a posterior lumbar interbody fusion that is often performed as a minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) procedure. TLIF is used to restore disc height and permanently fuse damaged or displaced vertebrae in the lower back.
What is eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion?
What is Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)? Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure for reducing long-term neck or back pain, generally caused by degenerative disc disease.
What is an oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion?
What Is Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion? OLLIF is a new, highly effective surgery for spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, herniated disc and degenerative disc disease. “OLLIF” stands for “oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion”. It is one of the most innovative back surgeries available for treating low back pain conditions.
What is interbody fusion?
– To avoid multiple surgeries in one area if you have already had previous spinal surgeries using a posterior (back) approach. – To allow more direct access to the intervertebral disk. – To have the ability to add more lordosis (swayback) to your spine. – To potentially help you recover faster.