About Minimally Invasive TLIF Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Overview
A Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is an operation often indicated for patients suffering from back and/or leg pain caused by the natural degeneration of the disc space or some type of traumatic event.
The Minimally Invasive TLIF technique is a less invasive option incorporating the use of specially designed instruments that allow surgeons to achieve the same clinical goals of traditional, “open” TLIF but with much smaller incisions, causing less damage to the surrounding soft tissue.
Procedure
The technique incorporates use of the METRx™ II Tubular Retractor System and CD HORIZON® SEXTANT® II Spinal System. The METRx® II System provides minimally invasive access to the spine through tubular portals, while the CD HORIZON® SEXTANT® II Spinal System uses an innovative arc device to percutaneously (without a large skin incision) deliver screws and rods for spinal fusion.
* Through a minimal incision in the patient’s back, the surgeon uses specially designed dilators in the METRx™ II Tubular Retractor System to spread the muscle and tissues of the back. A tubular retractor, or “portal”, is then inserted over the dilators to maintain a clear pathway to the spine.
* Accessing the spine through the METRx® II Tubular Retractor, the surgeon removes a portion of the bone and the disc material, and places an implant in the disc space between the vertebral bodies. This spacer may serve to restore the natural height of the disc space, “unpinch” the nerves, and act as a scaffold for bone growth or “fusion” between the vertebral bodies.
* Finally, the surgeon may use the CD HORIZON® SEXTANT® II Spinal System to place screws and rods in a minimally invasive fashion. These screws and rods are intended to stabilize the vertebral bodies while the bone fuses or heals.
Traditional, “open” TLIFs may often involve significant blood loss and a lengthy hospital stay. However, the Minimally Invasive TLIF technique may offer many patient benefits, including:
* Decreased intraoperative blood loss2
* Shorter hospital stays1
* Smaller incisions and scars
* Decreased post-operative medication needed while in the hospital1
1 Isaacs. Minimally invasive microendoscopy-assisted transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. J. Neurosurg: Spine. 3:98-105, 2005.
2 Park, Won Ha. Comparison of one-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion performed with a minimally invasive approach or a traditional open approach. SPINE 32(5):537-543, 2007.
These Dallas Doctors perform minimally invasive spine procedures:
(These surgeons have extensive experience in both neurosurgery and orthopedics)
Dr. Jon Krumerman
bio and contact info
Dr. Michael Desaloms
bio and contact info
Dr. John Peloza
bio and contact info
Dr. Richard L. Weiner
bio and contact info
Dr. Richard Jackson
bio and contact info
see more minimally invasive spine surgeons here
