• Decompression of the spinal nerves in the lower back
• The facet joint removal
• The intervertebral disc removal
• Stabilization of the disc level with the use of screws
• Fusing the spine with the use of a cage filled with bone into the disc space, the process is called interbody fusion

When is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion needed?

Lumbar spine fusion is normally recommended for disabling the lower back and leg symptoms that have not improved with conservative treatment. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion may be recommended to help treat conditions such as:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Scoliosis
• Fracture of your spine
• Infection of the spine called osteomyelitis
• Tumour in the spine

These medical conditions may cause severe back pain. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion addresses the spinal disc as a pain generator and removes the discs as the main source of pain. This procedure allows the neurosurgeon to obtain fusion of the anterior and posterior portion of the spine through a single posterior approach.

What does a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion entail?

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is normally done under general procedure. The neurosurgeon will make a vertical incision over the area that requires treatment. He will then pull aside the skin, muscles and soft tissues, to give him access spinal cord. A portion of the pelvis bone is removed and prepared to be used later as a bone graft.

The damaged disc is then partially removed, and the bone graft will be inserted in the space which will envelop the space. This will then create a stable disc which will later result in a permanent fusion and stability of the spine. The bone graft will be secured in place with the use of screws and rods. After the procedure, the incision will be stitched closed.