Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery in Plano, TX
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If you struggle with chronic back pain, herniated discs, spinal instability, or other lumbar conditions, the Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX is here for you. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery may offer the solution you’ve been seeking. At the Advanced Spine Center, our team of skilled Plano orthopedic spine surgeons is highly experienced in TLIF surgery. The procedure is designed to stabilize the spine, relieve nerve compression, and restore function.
When you meet with our team, we’ll discuss the TLIF surgery process, its benefits, risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Don’t wait to take the first step toward a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling 972-499-5457.
TLIF Medical Abbreviation
TLIF, in medical terms, stands for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. It is commonly referred to as TLIF surgery. This is a popular surgical technique used to treat various conditions affecting the lumbar spine.
What Is Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery?
This minimally invasive spine surgery is used to remove a degenerated disc to relieve the compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine. It is performed through a small incision on the back, helping to stabilize the vertebrae and relieve pain and nerve irritation.
This surgery is often recommended when conservative treatments have failed to treat the patient’s symptoms or condition. The TLIF approach fuses the anterior (front) and posterior (back) columns of the spine through a single surgical approach.
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is another type of lumbar fusion surgery, similar to Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), but with a distinct approach to accessing the spine. In ALIF, the surgery is performed from the front of the body, allowing the surgeon to access the lumbar spine without disturbing the back muscles, spinal nerves, or the spinal cord.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a type of spinal fusion surgery designed to relieve back pain and stabilize the spine by fusing two or more vertebrae together. Unlike ALIF or TLIF, the PLIF procedure involves accessing the spine directly from the back of the body. TLIF also accesses the spine from the back, but it does so at an oblique angle. This is not the case in PLIF.
TLIF Surgery With Cage
TLIF surgery with a cage involves performing the procedure with the use of a special device known as a cage or interbody spacer. This technique stabilizes the spine and spinal bones, restores disc height, and promotes fusion between two adjacent vertebrae.
Is TLIF Considered Major Surgery?
Although TLIF is a minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure, it is still considered a major surgery. This is due to its nature and the significant impact it has on the spine. The approach involves dissecting through layers of muscle and soft tissue to reach the spine. This can result in post-operative pain and lengthy recovery times.
TLIF is a complex surgical procedure that requires careful consideration. We typically recommend it when conservative treatments have failed to provide relief for lumbar spine conditions. A Plano orthopedic spine surgeon with our team will discuss the risks and benefits of this surgery with you so you can make an informed decision about your care.
What Conditions Can TLIF Surgery Treat?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a treatment option for several conditions affecting the lumbar spine. Many lumbar spine conditions cause symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, numbness, tingling, facet joint pain, and weakness. TLIF surgery can help alleviate these symptoms.
Specific conditions that TLIF surgery can treat include the following.
- Degenerative disc disease: TLIF can help alleviate symptoms associated with the breakdown of intervertebral discs in the spine, such as chronic back pain and nerve compression.
- Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward or backward relative to the adjacent vertebra. TLIF surgery can stabilize the spine and alleviate symptoms caused by the misalignment.
- Lumbar herniated disc: TLIF surgery can be used to remove herniated or bulging disc material that is pressing on spinal nerves, relieving pain and other symptoms.
- Lumbar spinal stenosis: TLIF surgery can help decompress the spinal canal and nerve roots, reducing symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness caused by spinal stenosis.
- Scoliosis: In some cases of scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), TLIF surgery may be recommended to stabilize the spine and correct the curvature.
How to Prepare for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Begin by consulting with your surgeon to discuss the specifics of the surgery, including its purpose, risks, and expected recovery process. Ask questions to address any concerns or uncertainties you may have.
Prior to surgery, your healthcare provider will likely conduct various medical evaluations to assess your overall health and identify any pre-existing conditions that may affect the surgery or recovery. Follow their recommendations regarding pre-operative tests and examinations, such as blood tests and imaging studies.
In the weeks leading up to surgery, focus on optimizing your health and well-being. This may include maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support healing, engaging in regular physical activity to strengthen your body, and quitting smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking cessation is particularly important, as it can significantly impact healing and increase the risk of complications.
Make practical arrangements for the post-operative period. This can include support from family members or friends to assist with daily activities, transportation to and from medical appointments, and other modifications to your home to accommodate your recovery needs.
Is TLIF Surgery Painful?
During the surgery itself, you will be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. However, it’s common to experience some discomfort and soreness in the surgical area following the procedure.
The level of postoperative pain can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual pain tolerance, and the effectiveness of pain management techniques.
To help manage post-operative pain after TLIF surgery, your healthcare team will typically provide pain medications to help alleviate discomfort. We may also recommend other pain management strategies, such as ice or heat therapy, physical therapy, gentle stretching exercises, and relaxation techniques.
TLIF Procedure Steps
Accessing the Vertebra
After anesthesia has been administered and the patient is positioned face down, the surgeon uses a portable X-ray machine to identify the diseased vertebral level or levels. Then, the surgeon makes the smallest possible incision in the skin directly above the target level.
A series of dilators of increasing size are carefully passed through muscles and soft tissue using the guidance of the portable X-ray machine. The surgeon slides a tubular retractor over the dilators and removes the dilators, creating a working channel that leaves muscle tissue intact. This working channel allows the surgeon to access the target vertebra and painful nerve root in a way that minimizes incisional pain and scarring of the muscles.
Disc Removed
The surgeon may use a microscope or endoscope to direct surgical instruments through the working channel. First, the surgeon removes bone at the rear of the vertebrae to create an opening. This opening will provide a clear route to the degenerated intervertebral disc. The surgeon works through this opening to carefully remove the disc. Some of the disc wall is left behind to help contain the bone graft.
Bone Graft Inserted
An implant filled with bone graft material is placed in the empty disc space. This lifts the vertebrae to the proper height, realigning the vertebral bones and relieving painful pressure from pinched nerve roots.
Spinal Fusion and Additional Support
The surgeon will also place fusion instrumentation for additional support, most commonly screws and rods. In some cases, these may be implanted on both sides of the spine. Bone graft may also be placed along the hardware. Over time, the bone graft will grow through and around the implants, forming a bone bridge that connects the vertebral bodies above and below. This solid bone bridge is called a fusion.
End of Procedure
The instruments are removed, and the incision is closed and bandaged. Most patients are discharged from the hospital the following day and can return to their usual activity level within a few weeks of surgery. The patient may take pain medication to relieve incisional pain, but usually this is needed for less than one to two weeks.
How Long Does TLIF Surgery Take?
On average, TLIF surgery typically takes around 2 to 4 hours to complete. The duration of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the number of vertebrae involved, and the surgeon’s experience.
TLIF surgery may involve fusing one or multiple levels of the lumbar spine. Performing fusion at multiple levels can increase the complexity and duration of the procedure.
In some cases, TLIF surgery may be combined with additional procedures such as laminectomy or foraminotomy. The inclusion of these additional procedures may extend the overall surgical time.
TLIF Surgery Recovery
Following TLIF surgery, patients can expect a gradual recovery process. Initially, patients may experience some discomfort and limited mobility in the surgical area as the bone graft heals. Pain management medications prescribed by the healthcare team can help alleviate discomfort during this early phase of bone growth. Patients are typically encouraged to walk with assistance shortly after surgery to promote blood circulation and prevent complications such as blood clots.
During the first few weeks of recovery, patients will gradually increase their activity levels while avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending at the waist. Physical therapy may be initiated to help regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the spine. Patients may also receive guidance on proper body mechanics and posture to protect the surgical site and promote healing.
In the mid-term recovery phase, which typically lasts from 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery, most patients will experience gradual improvement in symptoms and mobility. Physical therapy and home exercises continue to play a crucial role in the recovery process. Patients may gradually return to light activities of daily living and may begin to resume work depending on their job requirements.
In the long-term recovery phase, which extends beyond 3 months after surgery, patients continue to focus on maintaining progress and gradually increasing activity levels as tolerated. Full recovery from TLIF surgery can take several months to a year.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from TLIF Surgery?
Typically, recovery from TLIF surgery ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, but this time varies between patients. Most patients return to work after two weeks or so, but others may need more time to recover. This is particularly true for patients whose jobs are physically demanding.
TLIF is a minimally invasive surgery, but patients should still take it easy during recovery and adhere to their post-operative instructions. Full recovery generally takes six months to a year.
How Soon Can I Walk After TLIF Surgery?
Most patients are encouraged to take short walks the day of or the day after surgery. The goal of walking after TLIF surgery is to promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots, and encourage early mobilization of the spine. Walking also helps to prevent complications such as muscle stiffness and joint immobility. Many patients walk during physical therapy sessions.
While walking is encouraged shortly after surgery, it’s important for patients to start gradually and not overexert themselves. Patients should follow their surgeon’s specific guidelines regarding walking and gradually increase their activity level as tolerated. Initially, patients may experience some discomfort or pain while walking, but this typically improves over time as the surgical site heals.
What Are the Potential Risks and Complications of TLIF Surgery?
Overall, TLIF is a safe and effective procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, it carries potential risks and complications. These complications may include the following.
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve or spinal cord injury
- Dural tear
- Fusion failure
- Implant complications
- Persistent pain
What Is the Success Rate of TLIF Surgery?
TLIF surgery generally has a high success rate. According to research from the Hospital for Special Surgery, around 85% to 90% of patients are satisfied with their results. Most patients feel significant improvements in leg pain, back pain, and other symptoms. The need for lumbar revision surgery after TLIF is very low.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for TLIF Back Surgery in Plano
As you navigate your journey towards spinal health and relief from chronic back pain, remember that TLIF surgery at Advanced Spine Center offers a path to a brighter, pain-free future. Our team of orthopedic spine surgeons is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care throughout every step of your recovery process.
With our advanced techniques and personalized approach to treatment, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal outcomes and regain your quality of life. Don’t let spinal conditions hold you back any longer—schedule your consultation with a Plano orthopedic surgeon today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you.
