What is a TLIF L4 L5?
L4-5) in between the vertebral bodies. The TLIF is a fusion that approaches the spine from the back (posterior), removes a facet joint in order to get access to the disc space thru the foramen (hence “transforaminal”).
What is a L5 S1 TLIF?
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.
Is TLIF a laminectomy?
The PLIF technique includes performing a wide laminectomy and bilateral partial facetectomy to allow visualization and removal of the intervertebral disc. The TLIF technique includes performing a complete unilateral (one side only) facetectomy to allow visualization and removal of the intervertebral disc.
How long is recovery from TLIF surgery?
Dr. Eisenbrock: The typical recovery from a single-level TLIF is 4-6 weeks. Because Timothy has a desk job, he may be back to work 4 weeks after surgery.