Treatment
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct problems with the small bones in the spine (vertebrae). It is essentially a "welding" process. The basic idea is to fuse together the painful vertebrae so that they heal into a single, solid bone. Spinal fusion is a treatment option when motion is the source of the pain—the theory being that if the painful vertebrae do not move, they should not hurt.
This article focuses on two methods of fusing the lumbar (lower) spine—posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; your doctor will talk with you about which method is appropriate in your situation. This article discusses only the surgical component of these two procedures.
For a complete overview of spinal fusion, including approaches, bone grafting, complications, and rehabilitation, please go to Spinal Fusion.
Interbody Fusion
An interbody fusion is a type of spinal fusion that involves removing the intervertebral disk from the disk space.
When the disk space has been cleared out, your surgeon will implant a metal, plastic, or bone spacer between the two adjoining vertebrae. This spacer, or "cage," usually contains bone graft material. This promotes bone healing and facilitates the fusion.
After the cage is placed in the disk space, your surgeon may add stability to your spine by using metal screws and rods to hold the cage in place.
An interbody fusion can be performed using a variety of different approaches. Two common types are posterior lumbar interbody fusion and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
In posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), your surgeon inserts the spacer or “cage” from the back of the spine. With this approach, your surgeon gains access to your spine by removing the bone (lamina) and then retracting the nerve roots to one side. Then the back of the intervertebral disk can be removed and a spacer inserted.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
This technique is a variation of PLIF. In transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), your surgeon approaches the disk space slightly more from the side. The advantage of this approach is that it requires less movement of the nerve roots; thus, theoretically, it decreases the chance of nerve injury.
Last Reviewed
February 2018
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AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website.