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 (left), the neurosurgeon inserts a "cage" between the affected vertebrae to restore proper positioning.

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.

Find out more about TLIF

Our Care Team

  • Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
  • Director of Spinal Surgery
Phone: 212-746-2152
  • Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Surgery
  • Co-Director, Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis Program
  • Chief of Neurological Surgery, NYP Lower Manhattan
Phone: 212-746-2260
  • Assistant Professor, Neurosurgery 
Phone: (888) 922-2257
  • Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Director, Orthopedic Spine Surgery
Phone: 212-746-1164
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spine Surgery
Phone: 718-670-1837 (Queens) / 888-922-2257 (Manhattan)
  • Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
  • Attending Neurosurgeon
Phone: 888-922-2257
  • Chief of Neurological Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens
  • Co-director, Weill Cornell Medicine CSF Leak Program
Phone: (718) 670-1837
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 646-962-3388
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: 866-426-7787 (Manhattan) / 646-967-2020 (Brooklyn)
  • Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Phone: (718) 670-1837

Weill Cornell Medicine Brain & Spine Center 525 East 68 Street, Box 99 New York, NY 10065 Phone: 866-426-7787