Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)
Lumbar Disc Herniation Technique: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a surgical technique that involves removing a disc and creating a spinal fusion in the lumbar spine. The procedure involves making an incision in the midline of the back. After incising (cutting into) the middle of the layer of muscle and ligament that sits on either side of the spine, the attachments to the spinous process and lamina are freed. Using a special instrument that removes small bites of bone, the lamina is gradually removed until the surgeon can see the nerves. The nerves are then gently moved slightly to expose the intervertebral disc.
Using various instruments, the disc is removed through the right and left sides of the spinal canal and the space is then packed with bone graft and a bone block or cage implant. Instrumentation, such as pedicle screws, is used to provide support for the fused vertebrae. Additional bone grafts may be placed to ensure a solid fusion.
