What This Procedure Involves
Midline incision. Pedicle screws placed. One facet removed to access disc space. Disc removed, cage with bone graft inserted. Rods connected. MIS-TLIF uses smaller incisions. Takes two to three hours.
TLIF combines posterior decompression with interbody fusion through a single posterior approach — one of the most commonly performed spinal fusion techniques.
Midline incision. Pedicle screws placed. One facet removed to access disc space. Disc removed, cage with bone graft inserted. Rods connected. MIS-TLIF uses smaller incisions. Takes two to three hours.
For spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, degenerative disc disease with instability, and failed decompression.
Physiotherapy, pain management, epidural injections. Standalone decompression if no instability.
MRI, CT, standing X-rays. Smoking cessation essential.
Decompression plus stabilisation. Fusion rates exceed 90%.
Fused level no longer moves.
One to two weeks.
5–10%. Higher in smokers.
Long-term.
1–2%.
3–5%.
Sinking into vertebral body.
2–3%.
General anaesthesia. Positioned prone.
Hospital two to four days. Walking day one. No BLT for six to twelve weeks. Desk work at four to six weeks. Full fusion six to twelve months.
X-rays at six weeks, three, six months. CT at one year if uncertain.
MIS-TLIF uses smaller incisions, less muscle damage, potentially faster recovery. Not suitable for all patients.