TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy With Interbody Fusion)
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How Do I Know If I Need a TLIF?
Do you have a herniated, damaged or bulging disc? Do you have a pinched nerve? Perhaps you suffer from chronic spinal pain due to disc degeneration. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure called TLIF, or Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy with Interbody Fusion.
TLIF’s name is a mouthful, but this procedure is a quick and simple outpatient surgery offered at NJ Spine & Orthopedic. Our surgeons are experts in TLIF procedures — we have been performing them for over 10 years. We have developed and refined a minimally invasive technique that allows for outpatient fusions to be performed on a regular, weekly basis.
These are done through a small incision, under one inch in size, in which doctors go around muscles and surround tissue instead of cutting through them. This technique allows our patients to go home the very same day.
TLIF: A 2-in-1 Treatment
Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy: The “TL” in TLIF
Disc-related conditions can be debilitating; especially when they cause chronic spine pain. Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy is the removal or partial removal of a damaged disc or discs, from a herniated, bulging or degenerated disc.
Interbody Fusion: the “IF” in TLIF
Once the damaged discs have been removed, if a damaged disc is severe enough or has progressed far enough to affect multiple levels of your spine, an interbody fusion to fuse the affected area of your spine will be done.
Is a TLIF right for me?
Discover which treatment options are right for you with our Treatment Finder.
What Are The Advantages Of a TLIF?
There are several advantages to having a TLIF spinal surgery:
- It maximizes fusion potential and spinal stability while preserving the posterior elements of the neck. This reduces destabilization of the spine.
- There is decreased nerve irritation during surgery, reducing scarring and maintaining the bony surface for purposes of fusion.
- It allows for better access to the nerve passageways during surgery and reduces the disturbance caused to spinal nerves and nerve roots.
- The injury that commonly occurs during nerve retraction is significantly reduced. Such injuries are common with PLIF and traditional open fusion techniques.
- The time of operation, trauma, blood loss and pain are all reduced with TLIF.
- The surgeon is afforded a larger working space within the disc. This allows for complete access to the affected area. The surgeon can therefore perform the discectomy, restore proper disc height and place implants to facilitate successful fusion.
- With TLIF, the surgeon can freely achieve 10 to 15 degrees of spine curvature and can successfully correct disorders caused by conditions such as spondylolisthesis (or disc slippage).
- The main advantage of TLIF is its incredible capability to restore interbody height and facilitate proper spine alignment, which further helps in spine stabilization and fusion potential.
Usually, after a TLIF spinal surgery, patients get relief from leg pain within a few days. Back pain also improves after a few weeks. The next symptom to disappear is usually weakness. Your strength may completely return to normal. Numbness and “pins and needles” sensations also significantly improve after surgery.
Have an MRI Ready to Go?
Schedule your free MRI evaluation with one of our experienced spine surgeons today, who will personally walk you through your situation assessment over the phone.
Determine if you need a TLIF?
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How Do I Know If I Qualify For a TLIF?
When conservative treatments have failed, a minimally invasive TLIF may be your next best option. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we are dedicated to creating a personalized treatment plan for every patient who sees us, and a quick consultation with one of our expert doctors — who will review your MRI or CT scan — will help you find out if you qualify for a TLIF.
A shorter recovery
Our doctors are highly skilled at both procedures and combine the two into one, quick treatment session. Patients receive a quick, outpatient experience without having to undergo multiple surgeries, resulting in a reduced recovery period.
Take the Next Step Toward Fixing Your Pain
See if you qualify for TLIF treatment by trying our free Candidacy Verification tool before talking with someone at NJSO.
If you’re ready to talk with a spine specialist to help you decide whether TLIF treatment is your best option for lasting pain relief, call us today at (855) 586-2615.
Do I qualify for a TLIF?
Determine your eligibility with our Candidacy Verification.
Our Patient Promise
Smaller Incisions
Effective pain relief; less scarring— a postage stamp-sized incision (less than an inch in length) is often all that it takes to eliminate your pain.
Shorter Recovery Times
Our minimally invasive and outpatient procedures will have you back in the comfort of your home on the very same day.
Finer Precision
Our surgeons use advanced video-assisted technology to optimize the effectiveness of your procedure while minimizing post-operative pain.
Longer Lasting Results
Our board certified surgeons are skilled in the latest minimally invasive techniques to guarantee lasting solutions to your neck & back pain.
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