What is TLIF cage?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a contemporary approach to spinal fusion surgery. It is an operation performed on the lower back to remove an intervertebral disc and join two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) together using screws and a cage.
Where is the incision for TLIF?
A TLIF is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is unconscious. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower back over the bones of the spine. If the material for a bone graft is to be retrieved from the patient’s own hip, this incision can also be used to retrieve the bone.
What is a cage in a spinal fusion?
The intervertebral fusion cage is a large, hollow cylinder made of some type of metal, usually titanium. It is designed as a “cage” so that bone graft can be placed inside the hollow cylinder to allow a spinal fusion to occur between two vertebrae.
How is TLIF performed?
TLIF procedure is performed through a posterior incision exposing the back of the spine. Pedicle screws are placed into the vertebra. Exposure of the disc space is done on one side by removing the facet joints and protecting the nerve roots. The disc space is entered and disc material is removed.
How painful is TLIF surgery?
In general, most patients will undergo general anesthesia during spine procedures meaning you will be asleep and wont remember or feel any pain during the procedure itself. Patients may have pain upon waking up from anesthesia, but this will be managed with intravenous and oral pain medications.
Is TLIF a major surgery?
Lumbar fusion surgery is major surgery. Most patients having TLIF surgery will stay in the hospital for between one to three days. Physical therapy then begins the day after surgery. You will have to limit your activity, making sure to avoid twisting the spine, but walking during your recovery will be important.
How big is the incision for TLIF surgery?
In a traditional open TLIF, a 3- to 6-inch incision is typically required. The muscles surrounding the spine will then be dilated to allow access to the section of spine to be stabilized. After the spine is accessed, the lamina (the “roof” of the vertebra) is removed to allow visualization of the nerve roots.
How do they put a cage in your back?
Most of the cages are placed in the front of the spine (anterior lumbar interbody fusion or ALIF) . The cages can be inserted through a small incision (minilaparotomy) or with an endoscope (a scope that allows the surgery to be done through several one-inch incisions).
How long does a TLIF operation take?
How do we do a TLIF? – It is done under a general anaesthetic. The operation takes about 3 hours. Once asleep the patient is placed on their front on the operating table.
What happens during a tlif?
To allow the surgeon to access the front of the spine, bone and disc material are removed during a TLIF. The openings called foramina, through which the nerve roots exit the spine, are enlarged.
How is a tlif procedure performed?
A TLIF is performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is unconscious. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower back over the bones of the spine. If the material for a bone graft is to be retrieved from the patient’s own hip, this incision can also be used to retrieve the bone.
What is a tlif (traumatic lumbar infusion)?
Though a TLIF is performed through an incision at the back of the spine, the techniques used during the surgery enable the surgeon to access and fuse bones at the front of the spine as well. The bones at the front of the spine are called the vertebral bodies.