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 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.

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.

How successful is PLIF surgery?

In general, the success rates of PLIF and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures are high, with reported arthrodesis rates between 77% and 100% [25].

Which is better Alif or PLIF?

The ALIF procedure has been studied most intensively, followed by PLIF, TLIF and LLIF respectively. All four approaches had similar fusion rates (p=0.320 & 0.703). ALIF has superior radiological outcome, achieving better postoperative disc height (p=0.002 & 0.005) and postoperative segmental lordosis (p=0.013 & 0.000).

How long does it take to recover from L4 L5 back surgery?

You’ll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it’s likely you’ll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).

Is Alif better than PLIF?

PLIF can happen if the damage is more comfortable to access from the back. With ALIF, the doctor has a broader view of the spine and more surface area to work with. This makes ALIF the better option if more than one fusion is needed. PLIF may have fewer incisions, but the risks increase with direct access to the spine.

Is a spinal fusion major surgery?

Spinal fusion is major surgery. It usually lasts several hours. It involves making a cut in your back or your belly, or sometimes both. The cuts, called incisions, leave scars that fade with time.

Is anterior or posterior lumbar fusion better?

Anterior fusion patients also had greater levels of postoperative health utilization, surpassing posterior fusion patients by an average of $US7450 in total charges (95% CI: $4670-$10,220, p<0.0001).

What can you not do after spinal fusion?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

What can’t you do after spinal fusion?

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.

How long after spinal fusion can I walk?

How long is bed rest after spinal fusion?

Four weeks of postoperative bed rest reportedly improves the maintenance of sagittal alignment of patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with spinal fusion and instrumentation [5] compared to spinal fusion and instrumentation with early mobilization.

What is a PLIF spine fusion?

A PLIF fusion is often supplemented by a simultaneous posterolateral spine fusion surgery. First, the spine is approached through a three-inch to six-inch long incision in the midline of the back and the left and right lower back muscles (erector spinae) are stripped off the lamina on both sides and at multiple levels.

What are the risks of PLIF surgery?

PLIF Potential Risks and Complications. Other than nonunion, the risks of a spinal fusion surgery include infection or bleeding. These complications are fairly uncommon (approximately 1% to 3% occurrence). In addition, there is a risk of achieving a successful spine fusion, but the patient’s pain does not subside.

What is the difference between A PLIF and compression fracture?

Bone in compression heals better because bone responds to stress (Wolff’s law), whereas bone under tension (posterolateral fusions) does not see as much stress. The principal risk of a PLIF is that a solid fusion will not be obtained (nonunion), and further back surgery to re-fuse the spine may be necessary.

What are the advantages of a pure PLIF surgery?

Doing a pure PLIF surgery has the advantage that it can provide anterior fusion of the disc space without having a second incision as would be necessary with an anterior/posterior spine fusion surgery.