Lumbar spine stabilization with TLIF procedure

Lumbar spine stabilization with TLIF procedure can help reduce the patient’s complaints and improve their quality of life. The surgery can be performed with a minimally invasive or an open procedure. The essence of the method is that bone or artificial bone and a spacer are inserted in place of the removed disc between the vertebrae, or screws are inserted into the affected vertebrae from behind and connected with rods, thus stabilizing the spine.

Spinal instability

Spinal instability basically means abnormal excessive movement between the vertebrae but it also includes those conditions in which there is no visible excessive movement, but based on the complaints and radiological images, it appears that the connection between two vertebrae is not completely stable. These include cases where the patient undergoes spinal surgery to fuse the vertebrae, but they do not fuse, but a pseudoarthrosis is formed between the two vertebrae, meaning that the spinal segment does not become stable after the surgery. It is also important to mention vertebral slip, which is not necessarily accompanied by abnormal movement of the slipped vertebra but can still be a source of pain and therefore may require stabilization.

Damage to the connection between the lumbar vertebrae

The discs, small joints, and ligament system that provide the connection between the lumbar vertebrae might become weakened or damaged, which may require stabilization of the lumbar spine. Lumbar spine stabilization performed with the OLIF procedure can help reduce the patient’s complaints and improve their quality of life.

Lumbar spinal curvature disorder

This technique can be particularly beneficial for correcting lumbar spinal curvature disorder that can be observed from the side or from the front.

Lumbar spine stabilization with the TLIF procedure can permanently fix the spine, which can result in the elimination of abnormal movements and the release of compressed nerve parts. If abnormal movements are eliminated, local pain can be reduced, and with the release of nerve parts, other symptoms can be improved.

Surgery is rarely necessary. If your symptoms do not improve within several months or do not respond to conservative treatments, your doctor may suggest surgery.

During the TLIF procedure, bone or artificial bone, alternatively a spacer is inserted in place of the disc removed from the vertebrae, and the doctor inserts screws into the affected vertebrae from behind, connecting them with rods, which stabilizes the spine. In addition, if the nerve roots are compressed, they are also released.

In case of the minimally invasive form of TLIF, penetration is made through mini incisions. The release of the nerve root and the insertion of the implant can be achieved with minimal separation of the muscles. As a result, the muscles are spared more during the surgery compared to the classic large midline opening.

In case of the open form of TLIF, the incision is made through the middle posterior part of the body. The patient’s muscles are separated from the spine on both sides at the required height, thus exposing the anatomical structures. After this, the nerve root is released, the disc is removed, and a spacer is inserted in its place.

During the surgery, the doctor leaves a thin tube behind, which helps to drain any blood that may still be leaking from the wound after it is closed.

During the specialist consultation, when planning the surgery, the implants are discussed with the patient.

The new implants are MRI compatible, therefore any examination can be performed with them in the body later. The implants are not removed later, and it is not typical for someone to be allergic to them.

Even with the most careful surgical procedure, complications can occur. The risk may be higher in cases of previously operated spine.

Damage to the compressed nerve root or nerve fiber may occur (which does not necessarily cause symptoms or permanent damage). If the nerve part is damaged, then sensory disturbances, decreased muscle strength, and in severe cases paralysis may occur in the area it supplies. Another complication that might develop during surgery is damage to the dural sac, which may cause meningitis or wound healing disorders, possibly requiring another surgery. The large blood vessels in front of the spine may also be damaged during surgery, but the chance of this is very small. Urinary and defecation disorders can occur, and in men, potency disorders. Another complication may be blood clotting, which can lead to thrombosis. After the surgery, a pseudo-joint may develop, which might also require another surgery.

If there are no complications, the patient is able to walk the day after the surgery.

Regular physiotherapy should be started after the surgery.

The drain tube is also removed the day after the surgery.

If there are still no problems, the patient can return home within 2-4 days. The stitches are removed 1-2 weeks after the surgery, during which time it is not advisable for the wound to come into contact with water.

In general, it can be said that after the surgery, you can return to a sedentary job after 6-12 weeks, and to a physical job after a longer period of time (up to 6 months). The success of the surgery and the final condition can usually be assessed 1 year after the procedure.

If the recommended surgery is not performed, the patient may continue to have lower back pain or it may even get worse. In addition, compression or narrowing of the nerve root or cauda fibers may result in lower limb pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, or persistent urination and defecation disorders. If the patient has had nerve root or cauda fiber compression but has not previously caused symptoms, the symptoms listed above may develop.

We accommodate our clients in modern, pleasant, air-conditioned single rooms. Each room has its own bathroom, refrigerator and television, and free WIFI access is also available. We also provide our clients with individual nurse supervision, who will assist you during your stay.