Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) in Ho Ho Kus, NJ

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a spinal surgery that accesses the spine from the back to stabilize a joint and stop back pain or other problems.

As with any interbody fusion surgery, the goal is to replace the padding between two bones of the spine (vertebrae) with a graft that will grow together over time and stabilize the area.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Candidates

PLIF may be recommended as a surgical treatment for patients who show signs of lower back instability. Some conditions that can cause lower back instability include:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Spinal stenosis

The procedure is usually recommended after conservative treatments like physical therapy and medications have failed.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery

To begin, a 3 to 6 inch incision will be made on one side of your spine. If your surgeon is performing a minimally invasive PLIF procedure, the cut may be much smaller. The type of surgery you will need will depend on your specific case and what your provider recommends.

Next, the muscles of the back will be moved so that your surgeon can access the spine. Your provider will then access the inside of the disc space by removing the lamina (top part of the vertebrae) so that he or she can remove the damaged disc and replace it with bone graft material.   Your provider may also make extra room for any compressed nerves.

Finally, rods are placed to support the vertebrae as they heal. Over time, new bone will grow and fuse the two bones together.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Recovery

Most patients will need an overnight stay in the hospital and be able to go home the next morning. Some patients report an improvement of symptoms soon after surgery. It may take longer for other patients to see the benefit.

As with any lumbar fusion surgery, make sure to avoid bending at the waist, lifting, or twisting motions until your doctor says it's okay to do so. This may take several weeks. Just be patient and follow your provider's instructions for recovery. Regaining full function may take several months.

Request More Information

To request more information on Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) surgery, please call (201) 806-6099 or contact Dr. M.T. Shahab online.