Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

A procedure where damaged herniated disc and arthritic bone is removed and substituted with a spacer. This is meant to remove the pressure off the nerve and spinal cord, and stabilize the painful motion in the vertebrae from above and below.

This can be done at 1 or multiple levels.

  • After anesthesia is given, an incision is made directly over the spine in the area of interest. This incision is guided with x-ray.

    Some bone is cut out, and the injured disc is removed, and the nerves are carefully relieved of the damaging pressure.

    A spacer is placed. This is repeated at multiple levels as needed. Screws are placed in the bones above and below the spacer to stabilize the area.


    Intraoperative X-rays are done to confirm placement, and the wound is checked for bleeding and the incision is sutured closed.

    1. Decompress the nerves

    2. Take away the painful motion

    3. Accomplish a successful fusion

  • Depending on medical history, age, and surgical extent, some patients may spend one or multiple nights in the hospital for therapy and pain control.

    Soreness from the incision site can remain for a week or two. Muscles can spasm from surgery as they do not like getting pushed around. Nerve relief can be felt within days.

    The low back can feel sore, but it’s a different type of discomfort that before surgery.

    The fusion process may take up to 12 weeks for bone graft to consolidate, but symptoms typically improve much sooner.

    Return to work times vary, some people are able to return to light work 3 week after surgery. For those with a very physically demanding job, return to work may not happen until 6-12 weeks after surgery.

    1. Relieve 50% of the back pain

    2. Relieve 70% of the leg pain

  • There is no surgery without risks. They include but are not limited to: bad reaction to anesthesia, injury to the major vessels in the belly, injury to intestines, surgical site infection, prolonged pain, nerve injury, implant failure, failure of fusion, spinal fluid leak, and the need for additional surgery.