Treatment-Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

A posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a type of spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the back, or posterior, of the body to place bone graft between two vertebrae. The procedure may be performed using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

What Is A Minimally Invasive PLIF?

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a type of spine surgery that involves approaching the spine from the back (posterior) of the body to place bone graft material between two adjacent vertebrae (interbody) to promote bone growth that joins together, or “fuses,” the two structures (fusion). 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.

Today, a 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.1, 2

Why Do I Need This Procedure?

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 (rest, physical therapy or medication). The symptoms of lumbar spinal instability may include pain, numbness and/or muscle weakness in the low back, hips and legs.

Your 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 following surgery. Please discuss this treatment option thoroughly with your spinal care provider.

How Is Minimally Invasive Lumber Interbody Fusion Performed?

Spinal Access and Bone Removal

First, your surgeon will make a small incision in the skin of your back over the vertebra(e) 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 (the “roof” of the vertebra) 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 (anterior) 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.

Your surgeon will then close the incision, which typically leaves behind only a small scar or scars.

How Long Will It Take Me To Recover?

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.

To determine whether you are a candidate for minimally invasive surgery, talk to your doctor.

Are There Any Potential Risks Or Complications?

All treatment and outcome results are specific to the individual patient. Results may vary. Complications such as infection, nerve damage, blood clots, blood loss and bowel and bladder problems, along with complications associated with anesthesia, are some of the potential risks of spinal surgery. A potential risk inherent to spinal fusion is failure of the vertebral bone and graft to properly fuse, a condition that may require additional surgery.

Please consult your physician for a complete list of indications, warnings, precautions, adverse effects, clinical results and other important medical information that pertains to a minimally invasive PLIF procedure.

1 Stevens KJ, Spenciner DB, Griffiths KL, Kim KD, Zwienenberg-Lee M, Alamin T, Bammer R. Comparison of minimally invasive and conventional open posterolateral lumbar fusion using magnetic resonance imaging and retraction pressure studies. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2006 Apr;19(2):77-86.

2 Khoo LT, Fessler RG. Microendoscopic decompressive laminotomy for the treatment of lumbar stenosis. Neurosurgery. 2002 Nov;51(5 Suppl):S146-54.