Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) in Manalapan, NJ

A Brief Summary of the Following Article

• Persistent Back Pain: For chronic lower back pain unrelieved by non-surgical treatments, minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in Manalapan, NJ may be an effective surgical option.
• TLIF Procedure: TLIF treats conditions like degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis. It involves a small incision, removal of damaged disc material, and spinal stabilization, leading to quicker recovery than open surgery.
• Recovery Expectations: Recovery from TLIF varies, with outpatient or hospital stays depending on surgery complexity. Normal activity may resume in 12 weeks, with full recovery up to a year, requiring avoidance of strenuous activities.
• NJ Spine & Orthopedic Expertise: NJ Spine & Orthopedic offers consultations to assess candidates for TLIF, providing comprehensive care from evaluation to post-surgery recovery, ensuring personalized treatment plans for each patient.

If you experience lower back pain every day and have tried conservative treatment methods without relief, you may have a condition that requires surgical intervention. One such surgery is the minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in Manalapan, NJ, which could potentially correct the problems you’re experiencing. 

NJ Spine & Orthopedic and our medical team have the skills and resources needed for this surgery, and we will be with you every step of the way through recovery as well. We can answer any questions about minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in Manalapan, NJ.

What is Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion?

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical technique used to treat conditions that cause instability or compression of the nerves in the lower back. TLIF surgery involves making a small incision in the lower back and using specialized instruments to access the affected area of the spine. This minimally invasive approach allows for less tissue damage, reduced blood loss, and a faster recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

This procedure is often used to treat:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis

TLIF is generally only used after non-surgical options have not given the patient any relief.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the procedure, your surgeon will advise you on how to prepare. For most patients, this means you will need to stop taking certain medications before surgery, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc material and inserts a bone graft or implant to stabilize the spine. This helps to restore proper alignment, relieve pressure on the nerves, and improve overall spinal function.

Once the surgery is completed, you will be moved to a postoperative recovery area for several hours. There, nurses will monitor your vital signs to make sure that you don’t have any complications after surgery. Our highly experienced team at NJ Spine & Orthopedic is dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout the entire process, from preoperative planning to postoperative rehabilitation.

Recovering from TLIF Surgery

Depending on your unique situation and risk factors, your TLIF surgery will be performed at an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. Your surgeon will decide which location is best for you based on the complexity of your surgery and other risk factors. For a single-level fusion, you can expect to go home the next day if your surgery takes place in a hospital. If you need a multi-level fusion, you will likely need to spend a few days in the hospital before being discharged.

Recovery can take up to 12 weeks before you can return to your normal daily activities. Complete recovery can take up to a year until you’ve completely healed. Most patients are able to go back to work on a light-duty basis after four to six weeks. During the active phase of recovery, you will need to avoid strenuous activity and lifting objects that are heavier than five pounds or so. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe for you to resume driving.

Potential Outcomes of Minimally Invasive TLIF Procedures

Most TLIF surgeries are successful. As a minimally invasive surgery, it is a relatively quick surgery with minimal blood loss. This is due to minimal tissue damage or trauma. It also has a very low risk of serious complications. While every patient’s results and recovery time are different, most patients do end up with improved function and reduced pain. 

Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is important to the outcome of your surgery. Specifically, you want to make sure that you avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as this can hinder your recovery.

Start With a Consultation at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

If a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in Manalapan, NJ sounds like it may provide the relief that you are looking for, then the next step is to schedule a consultation. A spinal surgeon needs to review your condition and your medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, this is exactly what we do next. 

You can schedule a consultation with us by calling (866) 553-0612 or using this contact form. Our team will schedule a consultation and assess your medical needs. Then, we work together to determine the best course of treatment for you, TLIF or otherwise.