Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

What is Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) ?

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a type of spinal fusion surgery, which connects two or more vertebrae in the spine to stabilize the spinal column and alleviate pain for patients.

Vertebrae are interconnecting pieces of bone in the spine. Discs provide cushion between each vertebrae. Together, the vertebrae and discs form the spine, which supports the head and neck. The spinal column protects the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves which runs from the brain to different parts of the body.

When vertebrae and discs shift, it can put pressure on the nerves of the spine and lead to pain in the back and legs. Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that can be used when more conservative treatments have failed to alleviate a patient's pain.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) involves connecting vertebrae found in the lower back (lumbar) through an incision in the middle of the back to access the spine. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical technique used to treat:

• Degenerative disk disease
• Herniated disk
• Spinal stenosis
• Fractures
• Infections
• Scoliosis
• Spondylolisthesis