Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is a less invasive technique that allows your surgeon to perform a partial decompression and gain access to disc space by removing a bone and facet from one side of vertebra body only.
The advantage of this technique over other type decompression and fusion are:
Less soft tissue trauma, since most of the work is done via one side only.
Front and back fusion without a need for an approach through abdomen.
Less scar formation, since the contra lateral side is intact.
Less operative blood loss, since all the work is done via one side with less dissection.
Less instability, the traditional (PLIF) Posterior Lumbar Fusion technique require removal of both facet which in turn makes the segment very unstable, on the other hand TLIF only require removal of one facet there for keeps the spine stable.
Allows a minimally invasive endoscopic approach. With this technique the entire procedure can be preformed via a one inch incision.
Dr. Farr is one of the few spine surgeons in California that has vast experience in this technique.
Endoscopic decompression and fusion is a combination of endoscopic disectomy and TLIF, for detail on this innovative technique please review both TLIF and endoscopic disectomy.
View a Video About Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Please click on "Spine," "Surgical Procedures," then "TLIF: Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion" in the video player below.
