TLIF: Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery is a different approach to spinal fusion surgery to access the lower spine through the intervertebral foramen. The intervertebral foramen is an opening between the vertebrae that allow a pathway for spinal cord nerves to stretch across the rest of the body.

A spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae by removing an affected intervertebral disc. A bone graft is put in the disc’s place, healing over several months and gradually fusing the vertebrae to provide structural support.

TLIF fuses the front and back of the vertebrae at the same time for a more efficient approach. TLIF can also be performed through open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure, depending on your condition’s severity.

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Why Choose New York Spine Institute

Quality Care

We are proud of the treatments we offer patients at our facilities in New York. We always uphold our staff to the highest medical standards possible.*

Industry Leaders

Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS, medical director of NYSI, has helped our team gain the knowledge and expertise needed to help treat common soft tissue injuries.*

Multiple Languages

To help our patients from all over, our staff can speak a number of different languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German and Russian.*

Conditions Treated by TLIF

TLIF can treat several lumbar spine conditions:

Herniated discs: A herniated disc can occur when a disc slips from between weakened vertebrae.
Degenerative disc disease: Your intervertebral discs can wear down over time, causing pain and stiffness.
Scoliosis: Your spine can curve from side to side, looking like a “C” or “S.” Scoliosis can occur with age or other health issues.
Spinal fractures: Spinal compression fractures often result from osteoporosis, creating a painful crack in the bone.
Spondylolisthesis: This spinal condition occurs when a lumbar vertebra slips forward over the vertebra beneath it.

Minimally Invasive TLIF Procedure

At New York Spine Institute, our surgeons can perform TLIF as a minimally invasive procedure. This spinal stabilization surgery is done through two small incisions made in the lower part of the back, using retractors to access the spine without affecting surrounding muscle tissue.

With a minimally invasive approach, you can benefit from the following:

Smaller incisions: In many cases, each incision in the back is only 1 inch, encouraging faster healing and minimal scarring.
Faster recovery: Minimally invasive TLIF is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day and resume regular activities soon after.
Minimal blood loss: Smaller incisions reduce the risk of blood loss, as opposed to open surgery.

What to Expect From TLIF Surgery

Hear Doctor Roberts discuss with Donna Drake exactly what potential candidates for TLIF should expect.

Still have questions?

Learn More About TLIF Spinal Surgery at New York Spine Institute

As a leader in musculoskeletal care, New York Spine Institute is passionate about exceeding patients’ expectations. You can expect to be treated with compassion, trust, respect and integrity.

The team at New York Spine Institute is here to help you return to your favorite activities. Contact us to schedule a TLIF consultation today at a location near you.