What is a PLIF procedure?
A posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is performed to remove a disc that is the source of back or leg pain and fuse spinal vertebrae with bone grafts. It is called a posterior procedure because the spine is approached through an incision on the back.
What is the difference between PLF and PLIF?
In the PLF group, all patients had iliac crest bone graft. In the PLIF group the source of the bone graft is laminar and spinous process.
What is a L4 5 PLIF?
A posterior lumbar interbody fusion, called a PLIF, is a surgery designed to stop the motion at the targeted segment of the spine. A PLIF is done in the lumbar, or lower, spine. Most commonly it is performed on the L4-L5 or L5-S1 segment at the bottom of the lumbar spine.
Is PLIF major surgery?
Surgery for degenerative disc disease Lumbar fusion is rarely performed keyhole and usually involves major open surgery.
Which is better TLIF or PLIF?
Conclusions: The available evidence suggests that both TLIF and PLIF could achieve similar clinical satisfaction and fusion rate in the management of degenerative lumbar diseases. However, TLIF was superior to PLIF with shorter operation time, less blood loss, and lower incidence of nerve root injury and dural tear.
What is the difference between TLIF and PLIF?
The PLIF technique includes performing a wide laminectomy and bilateral partial facetectomy to allow visualization and removal of the intervertebral disc. The TLIF technique includes performing a complete unilateral (one side only) facetectomy to allow visualization and removal of the intervertebral disc.
Which is better Alif or TLIF?
Blood loss and operative time in ALIF was greater than in TLIF. There was no significant difference in the complication rate between ALIF and TLIF. The restoration of disc height, segmental lordosis, and whole lumbar lordosis in ALIF was superior to TLIF.
Is PLIF a major surgery?
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) PLIF can be performed as an open or minimally invasive procedure. The procedure involves a laminectomy (removal of the laminae) and trimming or removal of the involved facet joints to access the nerve roots, disc, and spinal canal.
How long does the pain last after spinal fusion surgery?
As the back continues to heal, patients usually start to feel better and find they can take on more activities. The worst pain is generally over by 4 weeks after surgery. Pain is likely to continue to decrease gradually, but some patients continue to have pain 3 to 6 months after surgery.
What happens after PLIF surgery?
Your Recovery After surgery, you can expect your back to feel stiff and sore. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework.
What is a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)?
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) Video. A PLIF is done in the lumbar, or lower, spine. Most commonly it is performed on the L4-L5 or L5-S1 segment at the bottom of the lumbar spine. This surgery may be done to treat lumbar degenerative disc disease, in which a degenerated disc becomes painful.
What does PLIF stand for?
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a commonly performed spinal fusion procedure that can be performed at a single level or multiple adjacent levels. Indications See: lumbar interbody overview (overview).
How is a PLIF fusion performed?
The surgeon may implant a series of screws and rods to the back of the spine for additional support. A PLIF fusion may be supplemented by a simultaneous posterolateral spine fusion surgery. In addition to open surgery, a PLIF may sometimes be done through a tube in a minimally invasive approach.
What is Plif surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis?
It may also be done for a lumbar spondylolisthesis, in which one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. A PLIF starts with a three to six-inch long incision in the midline of the back. Next, the lower back muscles, called erector spinae, are stripped off the lamina on both sides and at multiple levels.