Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

During a PLIF surgery, the spine is approached through an incision—of about 3-6 inches—in the midline of the back. First, the doctor strips the lamina on both sides of the left and right lower back muscles. This allows visualization of the nerve roots. Then, the doctor may trip the facet joints—which are directly over the nerve roots—to give the nerves more room. The nerve roots are then retracted to one side and any disc material affecting the discs are removed. Lastly, the doctor will insert the graft material into the disc space to initiate bone growth.

The best way to understand if you are a good candidate for PLIF is to consult a spine specialist. Some of the conditions you can treat with a PLIF surgery include:

• Herniated disc
• Vertebrae fractures
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
• Spinal weakness or instability caused by infections

You may be a good candidate for PLIF if you have any of these conditions and have tried non-surgical treatments without success.

What Are the Pros and Cons of PLIF Surgery?

PLIF surgery has some advantages and disadvantages compared with other spinal fusion procedures. One advantage of PLIF surgery is that it can achieve anterior fusion of the disc space without needing a second incision, which would be necessary with an anterior approach. Additionally, PLIF surgery tends to have higher potential for solid fusion rates than some other spinal fusion surgeries. Some other notable benefits of PLIF surgeries include:

• Restoration of three-dimensional alignment and balance to your spine
• Superior long-term outcomes of pain reduction compared to traditional posterior lumbar fusion surgery
• Significant reduction in post-operative complications, including hardware failure and non-union of the bones

These are a few advantages of PLIF over other spinal fusion surgeries. However, one downfall of PLIF is that not as much of the disc space can be removed with a posterior entry as when an anterior approach is used.

Consult a Skilled Spine Surgeon Today to Determine If a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Is Right for You

If you have been using conservative treatments for your back pain but aren’t seeing results, it may be helpful to consult a spine surgeon to see if a posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery is right for you.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our surgeons are dedicated to treating your pain and helping you get your life back. Our experienced and board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and orthopedic specialists work together to treat spine and back disorders with minimally invasive techniques. Our doctors understand that every person is unique and requires a personalized treatment plan. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we treat people, not patients.

To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled spine experts, call (866) 272-9271 or fill out our online contact form.