Spinal Fusion (TLIF, OLIF)

Spinal fusion procedures have revolutionized the treatment of various spinal conditions, offering patients a path toward stability, pain relief, and improved quality of life. Two prominent approaches in spinal fusion surgery are Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) and Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF). 

Conditions Treated By The Spinal Fusion Department

• Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition, where the intervertebral discs break down or degenerate, can cause instability and pain in the spine, which spinal fusion aims to alleviate.
• Herniated Disc: When a disc protrudes and puts pressure on a nerve, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, spinal fusion may be performed after disc removal to stabilize the area.
• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that causes nerve compression and pain; spinal fusion may follow decompressive surgeries to stabilize the spine.
• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips over the one beneath it, causing pain and instability. Fusion surgery stabilizes the affected vertebrae.
• Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine, where fusion surgery can help straighten and stabilize the spine.
• Kyphosis: An excessive outward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunchback appearance. Spinal fusion can correct severe kyphosis.
• Spinal Injuries: Traumatic injuries that result in fractured or dislocated vertebrae may require fusion surgery for stabilization.
• Spinal Tumors: Following the removal of spinal tumors, fusion surgery may be necessary to maintain spinal stability.
• Infection: Infections in the spine that cause damage to the vertebrae might require fusion for stabilization after the infection is treated.
• Chronic Low Back Pain: In some cases, where the specific cause of pain is identified and correlated with spinal instability or micro-motions, spinal fusion might be considered.

Common Procedures

• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): This procedure involves approaching the spine from the back (posterior) to remove a damaged disc and fuse the adjacent vertebrae. It’s commonly used for conditions like spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis.
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): In this approach, the surgeon accesses the spine from the front (anterior) to fuse the lumbar spine bones. ALIF is beneficial for conditions affecting the front part of the spine.
• Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Similar to PLIF, but with a slightly different approach angle, TLIF is used to treat degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spondylolisthesis.
• Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) or Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF): The spine is accessed from the side (laterally) to avoid major back muscles and nerves. It’s used for degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis.
• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF): A common procedure for cervical spine issues, ACDF involves removing a herniated or degenerative disc in the neck and then fusing the adjacent vertebrae.
• Cervical Spine Fusion: Similar to lumbar fusion, but performed in the cervical (neck) region, this procedure can treat conditions like cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical herniated discs, and trauma.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Fusion: These procedures use advanced technology and techniques to perform fusion surgeries with smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and potentially faster recovery times.
• Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: This procedure is for fusing the sacroiliac joint (between the spine and pelvis) to treat sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
• Thoracic Spine Fusion: Less common than lumbar or cervical fusion, this is performed on the middle portion of the spine, usually for traumatic injuries, deformities like scoliosis, or tumors.
• 360-Degree Fusion (Circumferential Fusion): A combination of both anterior and posterior approaches to completely encircle and fuse the affected vertebrae, providing strong stabilization.

Key Advantages

• Stabilization of the Spine: Both TLIF and OLIF procedures aim to stabilize the spine, reducing pain and preventing further complications.
• Alleviation of Neurological Symptoms: By restoring proper alignment and reducing pressure on neural structures, these procedures can lead to a reduction in neurological deficits.
• Improved Quality of Life: With stabilized spinal segments and reduced pain, individuals often experience an overall improvement in their quality of life.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Spinal fusion procedures can halt the progression of conditions, preventing further complications and potential neurological damage.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.