The posterior approach of the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique is used to fuse the anterior and posterior spinal columns. The TLIF surgery in India involves removing an intervertebral disc from the lower back and then joining two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) with screws and a cage. TLIF surgery costs in India is lesser as compared to other developed countries. The patient must spend 6 days in the hospital and 15 days outside of it. The patient’s diagnosis and the facilities they choose will influence the overall cost of the treatment. What Is a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion…
The posterior approach of the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique is used to fuse the anterior and posterior spinal columns. The TLIF surgery in India involves removing an intervertebral disc from the lower back and then joining two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) with screws and a cage.
TLIF surgery costs in India is lesser as compared to other developed countries. The patient must spend 6 days in the hospital and 15 days outside of it. The patient’s diagnosis and the facilities they choose will influence the overall cost of the treatment.
What Is a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)?
A modern technique for doing spinal fusion surgery is called transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). An intervertebral disc is removed, and two or more spinal bones (vertebrae) are joined together with screws and a cage during this procedure on the lower back.
TLIF involves:
- Nerve decompression in the lower back
- Removing a facet joint
- The intervertebral disc is removed
- Stabilization of the disc level with the insertion of screws into the adjacent and underlying bones (pedicle screws)
- The fusing of the spine through the insertion of a bone-filled cage into the disc space (interbody fusion)
A TLIF offers important advantages over the alternative surgical techniques of both a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterolateral instrumented fusion.
The surgical treatment known as transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is typically performed to repair spinal disc problem that is causing back and leg pain. This surgery involves the removal of an intervertebral disc and the fusion of two or more bones from the anterior and posterior spinal columns with the help of screws and a cage.
Small incisions are made in the middle of the back to provide the surgeon access to the spine. A bone graft and an interbody spacer are then implanted (a supportive device or cage placed between the vertebral bones to retain intervertebral height).
Depending on the symptoms, fusion can be one-level (joining two bones) or multi-level (joining three bones). The two vertebrae in the spinal column fuse together as the patient heals and bone grows around the transplant.
As a result, the person’s general function is improved and they can resume more typical activities. This effectively stops all mobility in the painful portion of the spine. Although flexibility is reduced following TLIF, most people are not significantly impacted.
Who Might Need TLIF Surgery?
Some individuals with the following spinal conditions may benefit from TLIF:
- Degenerative Disc: As we get older, our discs start to dry out and shrink. The vertebral bones brush against and press against the nerves as a result of the disc’s thinning or herniation. There is substantial back discomfort as a result.
- Spinal Stenosis: The spinal canal and the nerve root canals become congested in spinal stenosis. Additionally, pain and numbness in the legs may be brought on by pressure on the spinal nerves and spinal instability. There are several types of spinal stenosis, including cervical stenosis, lateral recess stenosis, and lumbar canal stenosis (Foraminal stenosis).
- Spondylolisthesis: In this situation, the vertebral body slips forward and rests on the bone below it. Once the nerves are compressed, discomfort may result.
- Scoliosis: It is an abnormal curvature of the spine brought on by incorrect bone alignment. This can happen, especially in adult patients, as a result of arthritic discs, aging discs, or prior spine surgery.
- Discogenic Lower back pain: Back pain carried on by a disc condition
- Facet joint pain: It is a form of spinal arthritis that does not respond to other therapies such as facet joint blocks and radiofrequency denervations.
What Diagnostic Tests Are Necessary Before TLIF?
After a thorough medical evaluation to verify the patient’s fitness for this procedure, the doctor advises the TLIF surgery in India. In addition to doing numerous neurological tests, they typically obtain the patient’s complete medical history.
The most important aspect of the evaluation is the patient’s medical history, which includes the symptoms and challenges they are experiencing. The doctor may recommend imaging tests to help diagnose the issue, such as:
- CT Scan
- MRI Scan
- CT Myelogram
- Standing X-Rays
- Lumbar SPECT Test
- Provocation Lumbar Discogram
- Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
- DEXA Scan (Bone density scan)
Read More – Endoscopic Spine Surgery Cost in India
