When Is Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Surgery Recommended? How Does It Work?

Back pain with associated leg pain is a common issue affecting millions of people.  For some, conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections may not provide lasting relief. In cases of persistent or severe spinal conditions, surgical intervention may be necessary. One such procedure is Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF)—a spinal fusion surgery designed to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain caused by degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis.

When Is TLIF Surgery Recommended?

TLIF is typically considered when other non-surgical treatments have failed to improve a patient’s symptoms. It may be recommended for individuals experiencing:

•       Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, spinal discs can wear down, leading to pain, instability, and nerve compression. The MIS TLIF can help by removing the damaged disc, decompressing the affected nerve, restoring the disc height and fusing the adjacent vertebrae.

•       Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, causing nerve compression and instability. The MIS TLIF can realign and stabilize the affected vertebrae while decompressing the nerve.

•       Spinal Stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, or weakness.  When the center of the canal and the lateral aspects of the canal are involved, a complete decompression can destabilize the spinal segment.  The MIS TLIF can create more space for the nerves while maintaining stability.

•       Recurrent Herniated Discs: Some patients may experience repeated disc herniations, leading to chronic pain and nerve irritation. The MIS TLIF comprehensively resolves this issue by removing the problematic disc entirely and replacing it with a bone graft.

•       Postoperative Instability: Patients who have undergone previous decompressive spine surgery may be experiencing symptoms from instability.  The MIS TLIF can correct instability and eliminate nerve compression.

How Does the Minimally Invasive TLIF Surgery Work?

The Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remove a damaged disc and fuse adjacent vertebrae for improved stability. This process helps alleviate pain, restore spinal alignment, and enhance mobility for patients with chronic back issues.

The procedure begins with an incision and access phase. Dr. Tumialán makes a small one inch incision in the lower back and carefully moves muscles aside to reach the spine. The minimally invasive approach that Dr. Tumialán uses reduces tissue damage, minimizes blood loss, and promote a faster recovery.

Next, working through minimal access ports, the disc removal step takes place. Dr. Tumialán carefully removes the damaged intervertebral disc to relieve nerve compression and create space for the fusion process. This step is crucial for reducing pain and restoring proper spinal function.

Following disc removal, he proceeds with bone graft placement. A bone graft, sourced from the patient’s own bone that was causing compression is milled and then inserted into the empty disc space with a biomechanical spacer. This graft serves as a foundation for new bone growth, ultimately leading to spinal fusion over time.

To ensure proper stability during the healing process, the next step involves stabilization with hardware. Dr. Tumialán secures the vertebrae with pedicle screws and rods, which hold them in position as the bone graft integrates and fuses the bones together.

Finally, during the recovery and fusion phase, the bone graft promotes new bone growth, resulting in a solid and stable spinal structure. Patients typically require physical therapy and a gradual increase in activity to support healing and maximize long-term outcomes.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Luis M. Tumialán, MD, Today

The Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF) is a highly effective surgical option for patients with chronic back pain due to degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or nerve compression. It is generally recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief. By removing a damaged disc and fusing vertebrae, MIS TLIF restores spinal stability and helps alleviate pain, allowing patients to return to their daily activities.  Dr. Tumialán has performed over 1,500 of these procedures and is the single author on the textbook entitled Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A Primer that teaches other surgeons how to perform the surgery.

If you're struggling with persistent back pain and wondering if MIS TLIF or another surgical option is right for you, Dr. Luis M. Tumialán, MD, is here to help. As a leading spine surgeon, he provides expert evaluations and personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Visit our office Scottsdale, Arizona, or call (480) 771-0700 to book an appointment today.