Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
Description
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a type of lumbar fusion. A lumbar fusion is the locking together (fusing) of multiple spinal vertebrae of the back to help relieve the pressure placed on the nerves from movement of the spine. The bone graft can be taken from the patient's hip (autograft bone) during the spine fusion surgery, harvested from cadaver bone (allograft bone) or manufactured (synthetic bone graft substitute). The front portion of the spine is stabilized with a bone graft and interbody spacer. The rear column is secured in place with pedicle screws, rods, and bone graft.
Cost
Check back again, iTriage will soon be listing cost information for procedures provided by Healthcare Blue Book.
Common Complications
Complications include: vertebrae failing to fuse, hardware fracture, bone graft migration, nerve damage or persistent pain. All surgery comes with the risk of infection and blood clots. General anesthesia runs the risk of allergic reactions or breathing problems.
Related Videos
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this procedure? Have you or someone
you know had a Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) performed?
Please share your experience with other members of the iTriage community