Minimally invasive spinal fusion is a surgical technique used to treat damaged intervertebral discs and compressed nerve roots that cause back and extremity pain. The procedure involves removing the arthritic nerve compressing bone and intervertebral disc and replacing it with a bone graft-filled implant. Rods or plates and screws fixate adjacent vertebrae to form a single solid bone. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialists perform four types of minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures depending on the patient's condition: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF). Early diagnosis is important for effective treatment, so our specialists obtain medical history, perform physical examination, and order and analyze medical imaging studies to accurately diagnose the patient's condition. Common conditions treated by minimally invasive spinal fusion include herniated discs, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. After surgery, the nerve root is no longer compressed, and bone graft fuses with existing bone to form a single solid vertebra that does not move but causes no pain. If you are experiencing back pain, please contact us to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Open incision spinal fusion procedures have been performed for many years. Recent advancements in spine surgery have allowed spine specialists to perform fusion procedures in a minimally invasive manner. A smaller incision is used, less surgical trauma is caused, and recovery is much quicker. During a minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure:
The disc is removed. Arthritic nerve compressing bone and the intervertebral disc is removed.
The disc is replaced. A bone graft-filled implant is carefully placed between adjacent vertebrae.
The implant is fixated. Rods or plates and screws fixate adjacent vertebrae so they may fuse to form a single solid bone.
The distinguishing feature of minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures is the approach. Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialists perform the following:
The patient’s condition determines which type of procedure is performed. OIBO spine specialists obtain a medical history, perform a complete physical examination, and order and analyze medical imaging studies to accurately diagnosis the patient’s condition.
Minimally invasive spinal fusion procedures are used to treat a damaged intervertebral disc and compressed nerve root that causes back and/or extremity pain. Common conditions are:
