TLIF for Herniated Disc

Sometimes used to treat herniated discs, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an advanced minimally invasive procedure for spinal fusion. In a TLIF procedure, vertebrae are stabilized to take pressure off nerves and relieve the pain caused by the herniated disc. It is a minimally invasive alternative to older, more invasive methods of spinal fusion, which were more painful and required longer recovery periods. TLIF is performed through two very small incisions in the back, so patients experience less pain, shorter recovery times, and fewer surgical complications.

In a TLIF spinal fusion procedure, the neurosurgeon inserts a "cage" between the affected vertebrae (left) to restore proper positioning. Six to twelve weeks later (right) bone graft material hardens over the cage, making the fusion permanent.

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