Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion involves fusing the spine across the disc space from the front. The surgical access for this procedure is traditionally done through an incision in the left lower abdominal area. This incision may involve cutting through and later repairing, the muscles in the lower abdomen. A mini-open approach is available that preserves the muscles and allows access to the front of the spine through a very small incision. This approach maintains abdominal muscle strength and function and is oftentimes used to fusion a few levels.

Many levels may need to be fused from the front of the spine when performing surgery for complex problems such as scoliosis. Unfortunately, the mini open technique does not allow access to multiple levels. Therefore, a more traditional approach may be needed to perform anterior fusion for scoliosis.

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

TLIF stands for Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. This surgery is a refinement of the PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) procedure and has recently gained popularity as a surgical treatment for conditions affecting the lumbar spine.

The TLIF technique involves approaching the spine in a similar manner as the PLIF approach but more from the side of the spinal canal through a midline incision in the patient's back. This approach minimizes the nerve manipulation required to access the vertebrae, discs and nerves. As with PLIF and ALIF, disc material is removed from the spine and replaced with bone graft inserted into the disc space (along with cages, screws, or rods if necessary). The instrumentation helps facilitate fusion while adding strength and stability to the spine.