TLIF or Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a surgical technique to stabilize the spinal vertebra and the disc or shock absorber between the vertebra. TLIF is a procedure that fuses the anterior and posterior columns of the spine through a posterior approach. A bone graft and interbody spacer stabilize the anterior portion while the posterior is locked in place with pedicle screws, rods and bone graft.
A TLIF involves decompression of the nerves in the lower back, removal of a facet joint, removal of the intervertebral disc and stabilization of the disc level by inserting screws into the bones Finally it concludes with fusing the spine by inserting a cage filled with bone into the disc space.
A TLIF offers important advantages over the alternative surgical techniques of both a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterolateral instrumented fusion. TLIF surgery in India costs around USD 4,645 – USD 5,309. It can take about 3 months to recover from the surgery.
