A Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a minimally invasive spine surgery used to decrease pain, correct spinal deformity, and improve stability.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) surgery represents one of the most effective treatments for severe lumbar spine conditions that haven’t responded to conservative care. This advanced surgical technique addresses degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis by fusing vertebrae together to eliminate painful motion and restore spinal stability. While the prospect of spine surgery can feel overwhelming, understanding the PLIF procedure and its benefits can help you make informed decisions about your care.
At Oasis Medical Group, our experienced spine surgeons have performed hundreds of PLIF procedures, helping patients throughout New Jersey find relief from chronic back pain and neurological symptoms. With locations in Glen Rock, Union, and Clifton, we provide comprehensive spine care using the latest surgical techniques and technology. Our team combines technical excellence with compassionate care to ensure you receive the best possible outcomes from your PLIF surgery.
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a surgical procedure that approaches the spine from the back (posterior) to remove damaged disc material and fuse adjacent vertebrae together. During the procedure, your surgeon removes the problematic disc and replaces it with a bone graft or cage that allows the vertebrae to grow together over time. This fusion eliminates the painful motion at the affected spinal segment while maintaining overall spinal alignment.
The PLIF technique offers several advantages over other fusion approaches. By working from the posterior approach, surgeons can address both the disc space and any nerve compression in a single procedure. This comprehensive approach often provides better decompression of neural structures while achieving solid fusion rates. The procedure also allows for precise placement of instrumentation, including pedicle screws and rods, which provide additional stability during the healing process.
PLIF surgery typically addresses conditions at one or two spinal levels, though multi-level procedures are possible when necessary. The procedure usually takes two to four hours, depending on the complexity of your case and the number of levels being treated. Most patients require a hospital stay of two to four days following surgery, during which time pain management and early mobilization begin.
PLIF surgery effectively treats various lumbar spine conditions that cause significant pain and functional limitations.
Degenerative disc disease represents one of the most common indications for PLIF surgery, particularly when the disc has collapsed significantly or is causing instability. This condition often develops gradually over time, causing chronic back pain and sometimes radiating leg pain when nerves become compressed.
Spondylolisthesis, a condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, frequently requires PLIF surgery for definitive treatment. This condition can cause both back pain and neurological symptoms as the slipped vertebra compresses nearby nerves. PLIF surgery not only removes the source of nerve compression but also restores proper spinal alignment and prevents further slippage.
Spinal stenosis, particularly when combined with disc degeneration, may require PLIF surgery when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief. This condition involves narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. PLIF surgery addresses both the disc degeneration and provides thorough decompression of neural structures.
There are various indications for PLIF surgery. These can include the following:
Post-laminectomy syndrome, which occurs when previous spine surgery fails to provide lasting relief, may also benefit from PLIF surgery. This procedure can address residual instability or incomplete decompression from previous surgeries while providing a more comprehensive solution to ongoing problems.
PLIF surgery begins with general anesthesia and positioning you face-down on a specialized surgical table. Your surgeon makes an incision over the affected spinal levels and carefully moves the back muscles aside to expose the vertebrae. The procedure requires meticulous attention to anatomical structures, particularly the nerve roots and spinal cord. The first step involves performing a laminectomy, which removes portions of the vertebral bone to access the disc space and decompress neural structures. Your surgeon then carefully removes the damaged disc material while protecting the surrounding nerves. This step requires a precise technique to avoid injury to the dura (the covering around the spinal cord) and nerve roots.
Once the disc space is prepared, your surgeon places bone graft material or an interbody cage filled with bone graft into the disc space. This graft material serves as a scaffold for new bone growth, eventually allowing the vertebrae to fuse together. Pedicle screws and rods are typically placed to provide additional stability and support during the fusion process. The procedure concludes with careful closure of the surgical site in layers, ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications. Throughout the surgery, your surgeon uses specialized instruments and may employ intraoperative imaging to ensure precise placement of all hardware components.
If you’re suffering from chronic back pain or neurological symptoms that haven’t responded to conservative treatment, PLIF surgery may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. At Oasis Medical Group, our skilled spine surgeons have extensive experience performing PLIF procedures and helping patients achieve lasting pain relief and improved function.
Our comprehensive approach includes thorough evaluation, advanced surgical techniques, and personalized rehabilitation programs designed to maximize your recovery. We understand that spine surgery is a significant decision, and we’re committed to providing you with the information and support you need throughout your treatment journey. With multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey and a commitment to excellence in spine care, we’re here to help you regain your active lifestyle. Contact us today at (844) 366-8800 or request an appointment to learn more about PLIF surgery and how it can help restore your spine health.
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