Spinal conditions like spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease cause considerable spinal instability and the symptoms of nerve radiculopathy. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical procedure that restores the disc height, un-pinches the spinal nerve, and fuses the adjacent vertebrae together, restoring optimal spinal stability. Dr. Ben Salari performs the TLIF procedure using a minimally invasive technique that ensures speedy recovery for the patient, with a negligible risk of complications.
What is Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)?
Transforaminal
The term “transforaminal” indicates the surgery is performed via small incisions made in the back. Traditional surgeries involve cutting the back muscles to access the spine, but the minimally invasive technique accesses the spine by dilating the muscles around the spine.
Lumbar
The term “lumbar” refers to the lowest region of the spinal column, i.e., the lower back. This procedure addresses spinal disorders affecting the lower back.
Interbody
The spinal column consists of a series of vertebrae separated by soft intervertebral discs. The term “interbody” refers to the intervertebral disc space.
Fusion
The term “fusion” indicates a surgical procedure wherein two adjacent vertebrae are joined or combined using numerous techniques, such as bone grafts and implants. Bone grafts facilitate natural bone regeneration, and implants (plates, cages, screws, etc.) promote spinal stability.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical procedure wherein bone grafting materials and implants, such as plates, screws, and cages, are used to fuse or join two adjacent vertebrae in the lumbar region after the diseased intervertebral disc is removed. This procedure alleviates the symptoms of nerve compression in the lumbar spine. The surgery is performed via extremely small incisions on the back and muscle dilation to access the spine.
When is TLIF Needed?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is meant for patients with spinal conditions that lead to nerve compression in the lumbar region — degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. These conditions reduce the intervertebral space, thereby pinching the spinal nerve, leading to pain on the lower back, buttocks, or legs, and neurologic symptoms, such as weakness, tingling, and numbness. However, we only recommend TLIF if conservative treatments fail to alleviate the symptoms of nerve compression.
Your Minimally Invasive TLIF Surgery
Dr. Salari performs your minimally invasive TLIF surgery under general anesthesia. During the procedure, he makes a small incision in the back and dilates the muscles surrounding the spine to access and remove the diseased intervertebral disc.
The interbody space is restored and filled with bone grafting material, which gradually facilitates natural bone regeneration. Surgical implants, such as screws and rods might be used to restore spinal stability.
Dr. Salari performs transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using minimally invasive techniques. Instead of making a large incision, he makes severe small incisions measuring less than an inch. And instead of cutting the muscles around the spine, he gently separates them to access the spinal column, thus ensuring minimal muscle disruption. Consequently, this minimally invasive technique ensures a speedy recovery with minimal hospital time.
Contact Dr. Salari for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Dr. Behnam (Ben) Salari is the leading board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery in New Jersey. He uses cutting-edge technologies and techniques to diagnose and treat the root cause of your spinal problems, only resorting to surgery when all conservative treatments fail. Furthermore, he recommends minimally invasive spine surgery because it’s faster, safer, and more precise than traditional, open surgery.
For more information about transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or any other form of lumbar surgery, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Salari at our state-of-the-art offices in Morristown, Hackettstown, Sparta, or Randolph in New Jersey.
