What are some indications for a patient to undergo a spinal arthrodesis?

The indications may include: discogenic/facetogenic low back pain, neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis, lumbar degenerative spinal deformity including symptomatic spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis.

What is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

Spine Disorders A Transforaminal Interbody Lumbar Fusion is a particular type of fusion, or surgical procedure that permanently fuses, or unites, bones of the spine. The fusion is achieved using bone graft: bone material either acquired from a bone bank or transplanted from elsewhere in the patient’s own body.

Why is a TLIF surgery done?

The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and nerve irritation. Spinal fusion may be recommended for conditions such as spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease or recurrent disc herniations. Surgeons perform lumbar fusion using several techniques.

What is the difference between Alif and Tlif?

In an ALIF, the procedure is performed from the front. With this approach, the organs and blood vessels must be moved to the side. This allows the surgeon to access the spine without moving the nerves. Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF).

When Is spinal fusion indicated?

Spinal fusion permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine to improve stability, correct a deformity or reduce pain. Your doctor may recommend spinal fusion to treat: Deformities of the spine. Spinal fusion can help correct spinal deformities, such as a sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis).

Which is better Alif vs TLIF?

Blood loss and operative time in ALIF was greater than in TLIF. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between ALIF and TLIF. The restoration of disc height, segmental lordosis, and whole lumbar lordosis in ALIF was superior to TLIF.

What is the difference between TLIF and Alif?

What happens after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

What happens after the surgery? Patients usually have to stay for 3 to 5 days in the hospital after TLIF surgery. For the first few days, intravenous narcotic medication is given to control pain. Blood counts are checked to determine whether a blood transfusion is needed.

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.

Why is an Alif better than a PLIF?

There’s no significant difference in the success rate of the surgeries. However, PLIF can be riskier as the vertebrae and spinal cord must be moved. ALIF works around large blood vessels, which can be dangerous. Each procedure comes with risks that will be explained by the surgeon.

Who is a candidate for spinal fusion?

Your doctor may decide that you are a good candidate for spinal fusion surgery if: Your pain is chronic. Your spine condition only affects one or two discs or vertebrae. Nonsurgical management like physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or back bracing hasn’t worked.