What is it?
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a type of spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the back of the body to place bone graft material between two adjacent vertebrae to promote bone growth that joins together, or "fuses," the two structures. The bone graft material acts as a bridge, or scaffold, on which new bone can grow. The ultimate goal of the procedure is to restore spinal stability.

Why is it done?
A spinal fusion procedure such as a PLIF may be recommended as a surgical treatment option for patients with a condition causing spinal instability in their lower back, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis, that has not responded to conservative treatment measures. The symptoms of lumbar spinal instability may include pain, numbness and/or muscle weakness in the low back, hips and legs.

Surgeon will take a number of factors into consideration before recommending a PLIF, including the condition to be treated, your age, health and lifestyle and your anticipated level of activity.

Incision
PLIF may be performed using minimally invasive spine surgery, which allows the surgeon to use small incisions and gently separate the muscles surrounding the spine rather than cutting them. Traditional, open spine surgery involves cutting or stripping the muscles from the spine. A minimally invasive approach preserves the surrounding muscular and vascular function and minimizes scarring.

How is it done?
Spinal Access and Bone Removal
Surgeon will make a small incision in the skin of the back over the vertebra to be treated. Depending on the bone graft to be used, the incision could be as small as approximately 3 centimeters. In a traditional open PLIF, a 3- to 6-inch incision is typically required.

The muscles surrounding the spine will then be dilated to allow access to the section of spine to be stabilized. After the spine is accessed, the lamina is removed to allow visualization of the nerve roots. The facet joints, which are directly over the nerve roots, may be trimmed to give the nerve roots more room.

Bone Graft Placement
The nerve roots are then moved to one side and disc material is removed from the front of the spine. Bone graft is then inserted into the disc space. Screws and rods are inserted to stabilize the spine while the treated area heals and fusion occurs. Surgeon will then close the incision, which typically leaves behind only a small scar or scars.

After Surgery
This minimally invasive procedure typically allows many patients to be discharged the day after surgery; however, some patients may require a longer hospital stay. Many patients will notice immediate improvement of some or all of their symptoms; other symptoms may improve more gradually.

A positive attitude, reasonable expectations and compliance with your doctor`s post-surgery instructions all may contribute to a satisfactory outcome. Many patients are able to return to their regular activities within several weeks.

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