LUMBAR SPINE (LOWER BACK) SURGICAL PROCEDURES

There are many surgical approaches to performing spinal fusion, such as ALIF, PLIF, TLIF, LLIF, OLIF, XLIF, posterolateral gutter fusion, anterior/posterior fusion, and certain minimally invasive approaches.

• PLIF surgery (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) is an approach to spinal fusion surgery in which the neurosurgeon accesses and repairs the lower (lumbar) spine from the back (posterior) of the patient’s body.
• TLIF procedure (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) can accomplish the same goals as a PLIF procedure. However, in TLIF the surgeon inserts the bone graft into the disc space from the region of the neural foramen after removing the facet joint, accomplishing the same goals as a PLIF but results in the nerve roots being moved or retracted less during the procedure, and therefore reduces the risk of scarring or damaging the nerve roots.

If decompression surgery is recommended, it may be possible to remove the bone and soft tissues causing the nerve compression through a minimally invasive approach. The more common decompressive procedures include laminectomy, laminotomy, and foraminotomy. Dr. Fayaz will choose the best procedure or combination of techniques based on many factors such as the spinal level involved and the type of injury.

The following specific types of lumbar spine surgery are performed at The Brain & Spine Institute of North Houston by Dr. Fayaz:

• Lumbar discectomy
• Lumbar laminectomy (open decompression) – see video
• Lumbar laminotomy and foraminotomy
• Posterior lumbar fusion, with hardware and spinal instrumentation – see video
• Repair of lumbar fracture, subluxation, and dislocation
• Repair of a lumbar burst fracture
• Repair of lumbar compression fracture
• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) – see videos
• Anterior lumbar discectomy or corpectomy and fusion – see video
• Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (IBF; LIF) – see video
• Minimally-Invasive Lumbar Micro decompression – see video
• Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) – see video
• Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) – see video
• Minimally-Invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion) – see video
• OLIF: Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (for L2-L5) – see video
• Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) – see video
• Spinal Fusion (Lumbar) – see video
• XLIF® Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion – see video

Minimally Invasive Lumbar Micro decompression

This minimally invasive procedure is used to remove overgrown vertebral bone and soft tissue to relieve the compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine. It is performed through a small incision on the back. A microdiscectomy procedure uses minimally invasive techniques to provide relief from pain caused by a lumbar herniated disc.

OLIF: Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (for L2-L5)

This is surgery to correct problems caused by a degenerated disc in your spine. It creates more space for your nerves. OLIF is performed through a small opening in your side.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

This procedure fuses two of your vertebrae with implants and bone graft material. It stabilizes your spine. It can be used to treat pain caused by degenerative disc disease

Spinal Fusion (Lumbar)

In many spinal surgeries, two or more vertebral bones are permanently joined with a technique called “spinal fusion.” A fusion creates a solid mass of bone. It stabilizes your spine.

XLIF® Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Unlike traditional back surgery, XLIF® is performed through the patient’s side. By entering this way, major muscles of the back are avoided. This minimally invasive procedure is generally used to treat leg or back pain caused by degenerative disc disease.

Laminectomy

This procedure relieves pressure on the nerve roots in the spine. A Lumbar Laminectomy is most commonly performed to relieve the pain of spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, which is often caused by the formation of bony growths that can press against the nerve roots. The surgeon may treat one or more vertebrae

TLIF: Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

TLIF is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease. The surgeon will stabilize the spine by fusing vertebrae together with bone graft material.

Minimally Invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

This minimally invasive procedure is used to remove a degenerated disc to relieve the compression of nerve roots in the lumbar spine, and perform a fusion with spinal instrumentation. It is performed through small incisions in the back.

Lumbar Interbody Fusion (IBF; LIF)

This surgery helps a painful lower spine. It treats a degenerated or damaged disc. The bad disc is removed and the vertebrae bones above and below that disc are joined together. A fusion can reduce or eliminate your pain.

ALIF: Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

ALIF: Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (with bone graft and pedicle screws)

ALIF is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Dr. Fayaz will stabilize the spine by fusing vertebrae together with bone graft material.

Lumbar Corpectomy

This procedure is performed to relieve the pain caused when diseased or damaged vertebrae bone blocks and pinches nerve roots. It also corrects spinal column deformities. During this procedure, the patient is positioned on his right side. The surgery is performed through the patient’s left side.