What is a Spine Fusion?

Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
(ALIF, PLIF, TLIF, XLIF)

What is Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

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:

• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
• Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
• Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
• Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF)

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.

What Conditions Does Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion Treat?

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:

• Herniated disc
• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis

Notes:

• Following surgery, the nerve root is no longer compressed.
• Bone graft fuses with existing bone to form a single solid vertebra that does not move but causes no pain.
• Please do not delay a diagnosis if you are experiencing back pain.
• Contact us to make your appointment as soon as possible.