Interbody Fusion
Interbody fusion is a form of back surgery that is done to relieve symptoms associated with pinched nerves and damaged discs in the spine. Interbody fusion can be done anteriorly through the abdomen or posteriorly through the back. The goal of interbody fusion is to remove the damaged disc and replace it with a bone graft or an implant.
TLIF – Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: To perform this procedure, one of our surgeons will create a small incision in the back. Through that opening, we will remove certain bones and a portion of the facet joint to access the disc.
ALIF – Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: To perform this procedure, we have a vascular surgeon help to access the spine through a small incision in the front of your abdomen. Through that opening, we can directly visualize the damaged disc.
XLIF – Extreme lateral interbody fusion: To perform this procedure, one of our surgeons will create a small incision on the side of your abdomen. Through that opening, we can directly visualize the damaged disc.
From there, we will remove the damaged portion of the disc that is compressing nearby nerves, while preserving the outer wall. We will then place a bone graft or a spacer in the empty disc space. All interbody fusions require metal screws and rods to hold the vertebrae together from the back. Over time, your own bone will build up around these structures, fusing the bones together.
Posterolateral Fusion
To begin the posterolateral fusion procedure, one of our spine surgeons will create a small incision in the lower back. Through that opening, we will move the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons aside in order to access the levels of the spine that need to be fused.
Metal rods and screws are then placed to provide spinal stability while the bone graft is placed around the metal rods and screws. Your own bone will also grow in the area of this bone graft and the spine fuses together.