Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TILF)

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a lumbar spinal fusion surgery that involves the removal of a disc between two vertebrae and fusing the vertebrae together. This procedure is performed from the back of the body and aims to reduce the amount of surgical muscle dissection and nerve manipulation to access the vertebrae. University Spine Associates may recommend TLIF for patients suffering from scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and other conditions that cause low back pain . Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion may be performed open or through a minimally invasive approach. Each patient is different and not all patients are candidates for the same procedure. TLIF avoids the need for anterior surgery and decreases the associated complications form anterior spinal surgery. At times patients may require anterior surgery and may not be the perfect candidate for a TLIF. At University Spine Associates, all techniques are utilized . Each patient will have the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of each procedure and what procedure is best for them.

As with any spine surgery procedure, there are risks associated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. University Spine Associates will discuss these risk factors with you prior to surgey as well as post-procedure rehabilitation.