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TLIF Spinal Fusion

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) relieves chronic lower back pain from a damaged, unstable disc. Our minimally invasive TLIF removes the disc, decompresses the nerve, and stabilizes the spine through a small incision, without the muscle disruption of traditional open back fusion.

What Is TLIF Surgery?

Patients with a lumbar spine condition often experience chronic pain and limited mobility that worsens with sudden movement, bending, or twisting. When conservative treatments have not brought lasting relief, many believe traditional open back fusion is their only option.
 
Our minimally invasive TLIF corrects a diseased disc that is pressing on a nerve and making the spine unstable. Approaching through a small incision in the side, the surgeon removes the damaged disc, decompresses the nerve, and inserts a bone graft and spacer into the disc space for immediate stabilization, without disrupting the surrounding muscles and nerves.

Conditions TLIF Treats

This procedure is designed to treat the chronic effects of some of the most common spine conditions:

Degenerative disc diseaseA worn disc causing pain and instability. Herniated discsRecurrent or complex herniations with instability. SpondylolisthesisA slipped vertebra compressing nerves. Spinal stenosisNarrowing combined with an unstable segment.
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Who Is A Good Candidate For TLIF?

Good candidates include individuals with chronic lower back pain that has not improved with non-surgical treatments, patients with degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, and those with spondylolisthesis causing nerve compression.
 
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions and would like to explore options other than traditional open back fusion, request a free MRI review or speak with one of our Patient Advocates.
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X-ray of the lumbar spine and pelvis with a slipped vertebra highlighted

How TLIF Works

A minimally invasive TLIF follows these steps:

  1. 1

    Anesthesia

    You are made comfortable under anesthesia.

  2. 2

    A small side incision

    An incision of less than one inch allows an approach that spares the back muscles.

  3. 3

    Removing the disc and decompressing

    The damaged disc is removed and the affected nerve is freed.

  4. 4

    Graft and spacer

    A bone graft and spacer are placed in the disc space for immediate stabilization.

  5. 5

    Fusion

    Over the following months, the vertebrae heal together into one solid segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TLIF surgery?

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) removes a damaged lumbar disc, decompresses the affected nerve, and places a bone graft and spacer in the disc space so the vertebrae fuse into one stable segment.

What makes your TLIF minimally invasive?

Our TLIF is performed through a small incision of less than one inch, approaching the spine from the side to avoid disrupting the surrounding muscles and nerves, unlike traditional open back fusion.

What conditions does TLIF treat?

TLIF is used for degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis when the segment is unstable or a nerve is compressed.

Who is a good candidate for TLIF?

Candidates typically have chronic lower back pain that has not improved with non-surgical treatment, along with degenerative disc disease, stenosis, or spondylolisthesis causing nerve compression.

How long does it take for the fusion to heal?

The bone graft gradually fuses the vertebrae over several months. Many patients return to light activity within weeks, while the fusion continues to mature.

Will I lose motion in my back?

Fusion stops motion at the treated segment, which is often the source of pain. Most patients do not notice a meaningful loss of overall flexibility when a single level is fused.

What are the benefits of TLIF?

Potential benefits include reduced chronic lower back pain, improved spinal stability, corrected alignment, and prevention of further degeneration of the affected disc.

How do I find out if TLIF is right for me?

Call to speak with one of our Patient Advocates, or request a free MRI review at (321) 499-4646.

Symptoms And Benefits

TLIF treats radiating numbness, tingling, and pain, localized pain, and burning sensations. Potential benefits include:

  • Reduction of chronic lower back pain.
  • Improved spinal stability.
  • Correction of spinal alignment.
  • Prevention of further degeneration of the affected disc.
  • A less than 1-inch incision and no lengthy recovery.
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Related Treatments

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Chronic lower back pain affects millions globally, significantly diminishing their quality of life. Traditional treatments often involve medication, physical therapy, or invasive surgeries like spinal fusion.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

One of our most common procedures is classified as minimally invasive decompression surgery. This type of surgery is often performed on patients who have a nerve compressed along their spinal cord, resulting in both local and radiating pain.

Laminotomy

A laminotomy procedure is designed to relieve a compressed nerve in the back of the spinal cord. Your spine consists of several vertebra stacked on top of each other, with cushiony discs in between each vertebra to let the spine move freely.

Discectomy

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Our minimally invasive discectomy procedure offers relief from chronic pain caused by a herniated disc or bulging disc.

ACDF – Spinal Fusion

Patients suffering from a cervical (neck) spine condition may experience chronic neck pain or shooting pain in the head, arm, and/or fingers. This continual pain can become debilitating and cause a decrease in activity and quality of life.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Patients who have a deteriorated disc in the cervical (neck) spine may experience pain, numbness or tingling in the neck, arm and fingers. This continual pain, if left untreated, could result in a restriction of activity and quality of life.

Foraminotomy

A foraminotomy procedure is a minimally invasive decompression surgery that relieves the pain associated with foraminal stenosis.

Laser Spine Surgery

aser spine surgery has been marketed as a cutting-edge solution for various spine conditions, offering the promise of pain relief with minimal recovery time.

Minimally Invasive Vs. Open Back Fusion

The Minimally Invasive Advantage

How ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures compare with traditional open surgery, and why most patients recover faster.

Traditional open surgeryMinimally invasive / endoscopicOur specialty at Total Spine
IncisionA lengthy incision is required to expose the spine.A tiny incision, smaller than a dime, is used.
Muscle and soft tissueMuscle is cut and dissected to reach the spine.Muscle is preserved and gently moved aside, supporting a quicker recovery.
Hospital stayTypically an overnight or multi-day hospital stay.A same-day procedure; most patients return home within hours.
Blood loss and infection riskGreater blood loss and a higher risk of infection.Minimal blood loss and a lower risk of infection.
Postoperative painMore pain, often requiring stronger medication for longer.Markedly less pain for most patients, with lighter use of pain medication.
Return to daily activityA lengthy recovery, often weeks to months before normal activity.A faster recovery; many patients resume light activity within days.
ScarringLeaves a larger, more noticeable scar.Leaves only a small scar.

Minimally invasive TLIF stabilizes the spine through a small incision, avoiding the muscle disruption and lengthy recovery of traditional open back fusion.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • An alternative to open back fusion

    Our TLIF is performed through a small incision that spares the surrounding muscles and nerves.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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