What is a TLIF? Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Indications and Procedure
Our ambulatory surgery center is a progressive multispecialty medical group dedicated to healing and excellence. At our ASC facility, doctors have the convenience of a stress-free and convenient surgery center experience, and their patients are provided access to quality and affordable outpatient surgical procedures.
At the Ambulatory Surgery Center of Boca Raton, several medical procedures are performed on-site. A TLIF is one of the many procedures that is done at our ASC. This article will provide you with more information on what a TLIF is, common causes, and what the process is of performing this operation.
WHAT IS A TLIF?
A TLIF is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a procedure performed on the lower back to remove an intervertebral disc and join two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) using screws and a cage. Our considerations surrounding this procedure include reversing pain, relieving pinched nerves, and correcting scoliosis, among others listed below in this article.
WHY IS THIS PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
A TLIF may be of benefit to patients suffering from chronic back pain or leg pain caused by degenerative discs. A TLIF is also recommended if you suffer from:
Degenerative disk disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Scoliosis
Fracture of your spine
Infection of your spine
Tumor in your spine
There can be a lot of pain associated with these problems. In cases of unresponsive pain after trying pain medicine, physical therapy, or other treatments, fusion surgery may be an option.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF A TLIF?
This operation is a contemporary approach to spinal fusion surgery. Although long in name, the procedure itself is minimally invasive. TLIFs are performed through a small incision less than an inch in length. Doctors bypass the muscles and surrounding tissues instead of cutting through them. Our outpatient facility allows patients to leave the very same day of their procedure. Here are steps of what you will experience if you are preparing for a TLIF procedure:
Nerve decompression in the lower back
Removal of a facet joint
Removal of the intervertebral disc
Stabilization of the disc level by inserting screws into the bones above and below (pedicle screws)
Fusion of the spine by inserting a cage filled with bone into the disc space (interbody fusion)
In the event that your condition is not treated properly (and in some cases even when it is), you may experience the following:
Ongoing pain
Paralysis, weakness, and/or numbness
Impaired bowel and/or bladder control
Erectile dysfunction
Problems with walking and balance
Therefore, you should always take the necessary measures to find safe pain treatment irrespective of your treatment plan. A physician who is dedicated to you will then offer a customized plan for you to feel and move better.
Please contact ASC of Boca Raton if you are a candidate for a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Our patients have kindly shared some of their experiences with our team at our world-class facility. You can click here to listen to their stories. Call us today at 561-544-5501 and let us assist you in taking the first step towards feeling better.
