Orthopaedic Services and Procedures

OPERATIVE PROCEDURES

• TLIF: Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Traditionally, TLIF has been performed as an "open" technique, which requires making a larger incision along the middle of the back. Through this incision, the surgeon then cuts away, or retracts, spinal muscles and tissue to access the vertebrae and disc space. The cutting and retracting of muscle and tissue is part of the reason that after the operation, patients are faced with a long recovery period of several weeks or months.

Today there is a minimally invasive TLIF technique that is proving to be an effective alternative to "open" fusion surgery. In a minimally invasive TLIF, the surgeon inserts a small tube through the skin until it "rests" on the spine. Using special surgical instruments the surgeon then does the entire TLIF procedure through the tube. Working through the small tube, instead of a larger "open" incision, greatly reduces the amount of muscle and tissue that is cut or retracted. Blood loss is dramatically reduced. These minimally invasive benefits also lead to shorter hospital stays and quicker patient recovery times.