English
Posterior and Transforaminal Lumbar interbody fusion in Dhakuria

Posterior and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Dhakuria

A surgical treatment called Spinal Fusion is performed to treat issues with the vertebrae, the tiny bones that make up the spine. In essence, it's a welding procedure. The main concept is to create a single, solid bone by fusing together the troublesome vertebrae. When mobility is the cause of the pain, one possibility for therapy is Spinal Fusion, which operates under the premise that afflicted vertebrae shouldn't hurt if they are immobile.

To treat spinal problems such as degenerative disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis, two types of Spinal Fusion surgical techniques called Posterior lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) are used. In PLIF, the posterior technique is used to get access to the spine. The injured disc is removed, and a bone graft or cage is inserted to encourage the fusing of nearby vertebrae. A version known as TLIF uses a more lateral technique and enters through the intervertebral foramen. The goals of both surgeries are to realign the spine, reduce pressure on the nerves, and stabilise the spine. They have the benefit of minimising tissue damage while fostering fusion and providing structural support.

FAQ's

One kind of Spinal Fusion that includes removing the intervertebral disc from the disc space is called an Interbody Fusion.

Your surgeon will insert a metal, plastic, or bone spacer between the two adjacent vertebrae once the disc space has been cleaned up. This spacer, referred to as a cage, is responsible for promoting bone healing and expanding the space between the compressed intervertebral discs. Following the cage's placement in the disc space, the surgeon could use metal screws, plates, and rods to further stabilise your spine.

Numerous techniques can be used to carry out an Interbody Fusion. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion are the two most prevalent types.

Consideration of PLIF as a surgical therapy may arise from severe lower back pain coupled with neurological signs of leg discomfort that may not improve after months of nonsurgical therapies. Various conditions can result in such excruciating pain:

  • Spinal instability accompanied by degenerative disc disease

  • Chronic herniation of the discs

  • Spondylolisthesis

  • Stenosis of the spine

  • Pseudoarthrosis resulting from a previous attempt at spinal fusion that was unsuccessful

If there is a history of repeated back operations and significant scarring from these procedures or traumas, Spinal Fusion surgery may not be advised. Arachnoiditis, or inflammation of the spinal canal, and an ongoing infection are two more prevalent contraindications to PLIF and other forms of Spinal Fusion.

Your surgeon inserts the spacer or cage during Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) from the rear of the spine. By cutting the bone (lamina) and pulling the nerve roots to one side, your surgeon can reach your spine using this method. After that, a spacer can be introduced, and the intervertebral disc's back can be removed.

TLIF is indicated for the treatment of back and/or leg pain caused by:

  • Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebral body slips over another, leading to spinal instability and pain.

  • Degenerative Disc Disease with Foraminal Stenosis: This causes nerve compression due to the narrowing of the foraminal space, where nerves exit the spinal canal.

  • Recurrent Disc Herniations: These occur when the inner material of the disc leaks through the weakened outer layer, causing pain and nerve irritation.

  • Pseudoarthrosis: This condition refers to the lack of a solid fusion following a previous fusion surgery, which can result in continued pain and instability.

  • Unilateral Disc Degeneration: TLIF may be preferred over posterior lumbar interbody fusion when disc degeneration is primarily on one side, depending on the surgeon's experience and the specific clinical scenario.

When disc degeneration is primarily one-sided, TLIF may be the better course of action (instead of posterior lumbar interbody fusion); this will depend on the surgeon's experience. 

TLIF is contraindicated in cases of active neurological disorders and/or weakening bones, as in:

  • Epidural scars
  • Arachnoiditis, or spinal canal inflammation
  • Infection
  • Osteoporosis

This method is a PLIF version. The surgeon approaches the disc space in the Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) from a somewhat different angle. This method has the benefit of requiring less movement of the nerve roots, which should reduce the risk of nerve damage.

A Posterior/Transforaminal Lumbar Fusion may provide the following benefits:

  • Both surgeries fuse the vertebrae to stabilise the spine, helping to relieve pain from conditions like slipped discs or spinal stenosis.

  • They help relieve pressure on nerves, reducing symptoms like leg pain, numbness, or weakness.

  • These procedures can correct spinal curvatures, improving posture and reducing discomfort.

  • TLIF can often be done with smaller incisions, leading to quicker recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.

  • Both surgeries have high success rates for stabilising the spine, which helps to prevent future issues and the need for more surgery.

  • By fixing spinal issues, these surgeries can significantly improve pain and help you get back to daily activities with less discomfort.

If only one level is fused, patients usually return home the same day or the following day. Most patients who have several levels fused spend the night in the hospital. Patients should keep an eye out for any leg weakness that causes them to buckle after returning home, and they should notify the surgeon straight away if this happens.

Usually, a few days to several weeks are required for pain management. You can also receive a brace from your surgeon to aid in the healing of the fusion. Posterior and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion results are comparable to conventional operations. In certain instances, this treatment can be carried out with a smaller incision, perhaps reducing the amount of muscle injury.

Posterior and Transforaminal operations often have a complication rate comparable to that of conventional spine surgery. Potential drawbacks consist of:

  • Injury to the nerves, which may cause limb weakness

  • Possibility of the cage moving and applying pressure to the nerves

  • Hematoma, or bleeding into the muscle, can result in weakness by compressing the nerves.

Home Dhakuria Specialities Spine-care Posterior-and-transforaminal-lumbar-interbody-fusion

Appointment
Health Check
Contact Us
review icon
Review Us
Call Us