Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF, OLIF, LLIF, TLIF)
This is a type of spinal fusion surgery that involves removing the intervertebral disk from the disk space and inserting screws and rods to reduce abnormal movement of the spine. The disc space is also removed and a graft/ cage is inserted to allow for fusion of the bones with restoration of spinal curvature and balance. This can be performed through the front, side, back or a combination approach depending on the condition treated.
There are several approaches to performing lumbar interbody fusion, including:
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Accessing the spine through the abdomen.
Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF): A minimally invasive approach from the side of the body.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Accessing the spine from the side to avoid major back muscles.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Accessing the spine from the back, typically removing one facet joint.
Minimal access PLIF: Accessing the spine from the back removing both facet joints via a minimally invasive approach
The choice of technique depends on factors such as spinal pathology, surgeon preference, and patient anatomy. This surgery is commonly performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. Recovery varies but generally involves a hospital stay of a few days, followed by outpatient rehabilitation and gradual return to activity over several months.
This is a type of spinal fusion surgery that involves removing the intervertebral disk from the disk space and inserting screws and rods to reduce abnormal movement of the spine. The disc space is also removed and a graft/ cage is inserted to allow for fusion of the bones with restoration of spinal curvature and balance. This can be performed through the front, side, back or a combination approach depending on the condition treated.
There are several approaches to performing lumbar interbody fusion, including:
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Accessing the spine through the abdomen.
Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF): A minimally invasive approach from the side of the body.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Accessing the spine from the side to avoid major back muscles.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Accessing the spine from the back, typically removing one facet joint.
Minimal access PLIF: Accessing the spine from the back removing both facet joints via a minimally invasive approach
The choice of technique depends on factors such as spinal pathology, surgeon preference, and patient anatomy. This surgery is commonly performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. Recovery varies but generally involves a hospital stay of a few days, followed by outpatient rehabilitation and gradual return to activity over several months.
This is a type of spinal fusion surgery that involves removing the intervertebral disk from the disk space and inserting screws and rods to reduce abnormal movement of the spine. The disc space is also removed and a graft/ cage is inserted to allow for fusion of the bones with restoration of spinal curvature and balance. This can be performed through the front, side, back or a combination approach depending on the condition treated.
There are several approaches to performing lumbar interbody fusion, including:
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Accessing the spine through the abdomen.
Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF): A minimally invasive approach from the side of the body.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF): Accessing the spine from the side to avoid major back muscles.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Accessing the spine from the back, typically removing one facet joint.
Minimal access PLIF: Accessing the spine from the back removing both facet joints via a minimally invasive approach
The choice of technique depends on factors such as spinal pathology, surgeon preference, and patient anatomy. This surgery is commonly performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. Recovery varies but generally involves a hospital stay of a few days, followed by outpatient rehabilitation and gradual return to activity over several months.
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