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.
Our Care Team
- Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Director of Spinal Surgery
- Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Surgery
- Co-Director, Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis Program
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NYP Lower Manhattan
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Director, Orthopedic Spine Surgery
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spine Surgery
- Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
- Attending Neurosurgeon
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NewYork-Presbyterian Queens
- Co-director, Weill Cornell Medicine CSF Leak Program
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery