Why MIS-TLIF Spine Surgery is Needed | Post Operation | Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Описание: Surgeons such as Dr. Kremer, have a remarkable track record using minimally invasive TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion). The MIS-TLIF allows Dr. Kremer to access the pathology (problem) quickly by approaching from slight angle through a very small channel. As a result, Dr. Kremer often completes the procedure in less time required for traditional surgeons to open access to the area needing surgery.

Same Spine, Same Pathology. A Totally Different Outcome.

Stories of limited success in back surgery have historically been the norm; as a result, fewer than 5% of degenerative disk disease patients chose surgery. Why is that? Primarily because the risks associated with traditional ‘open’ back surgery were high, the results were far from guaranteed, and the recovery could be lengthy and painful.

In a minimally invasive TLIF, the surgeon inserts a small tube through the skin to access the pathology with the use of a camera. By using small, specialized surgical instruments in conjunction with a microscope, the surgeon can perform the entire TLIF procedure through the tube. This reduces the size of the incision, avoids cutting muscles, and leads to less blood loss and less risk of infection. Patients are often released from the hospital after an overnight stay, or even the same day, rarely requiring pain medication.

MIS TLIF treatment for Degenerative Disk Disease

Approximately 80% of people experience low back pain in their lifetimes. Although not every case of back pain is caused by degenerative disk disease (DDD), this problem does account for many back pain issues. DDD is an abnormal condition affecting the intervertebral disks that cushion each vertebra of the spine. In the lower back or lumbar area, there are five separate vertebrae. They serve to allow the spine to flex, extend, bend, and rotate.

Aging causes intervertebral disks to lose their water content, leading to shrinkage, increased rigidity, and loss of disk height. This decrease in disk space means the vertebrae are closer together, which can hinder specific movements or cause pain with different activities. The nerves become compressed or pinched. Overall, there is less shock absorption, especially with walking, running, or jumping. Additionally, lifting heavy items incorrectly, twisting while lifting, and trauma can all damage the disks.