Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

This surgery allows access to your spine by removing the bone (lamina) and then retracting (moving) the nerve roots to one side. Then the intervertebral disk and herniation can be removed and a spacer inserted. This allows fusion of two adjacent vertebrae in the lower along with decompressing the pinched nerve roots. 

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a surgical technique used to treat lower back pain and instability, often caused by degenerative disc disease, spondolisthesis, or herniated discs. The procedure involves accessing the spine from the back, removing the damaged intervertebral disc, and inserting a bone graft or synthetic spacer into the disc space. This spacer helps to restore disc height and relieve pressure on nerves. Screws and rods are then typically used to stabilize the vertebrae while the bone graft heals and fuses the adjacent vertebrae together. This fusion creates a solid bridge of bone, providing long-term stability to the spine and reducing pain. PLIF can be performed as an open surgery with a larger incision or as a minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions and specialized instruments.