CARE & TREATMENT IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
PLIF is generally used to treat back or leg pain caused by degenerative disc disease. The surgeon will stabilize the spine by fusing vertebrae together with bone graft material.
PLIF is a procedure used to treat problems such as disc degeneration, disc herniation, and spine instability. In this procedure, the surgeon works on the spine from the back (the posterior) and removes a spinal disc in the lower (lumbar) spine. In this procedure, the surgeon works on the spine from the back (the posterior) and removes a spinal disc in the lower (lumbar) spine. The surgeon inserts bone graft material into the space between the two vertebrae where the disc was removed (the interbody space). The graft may be held in place with a special fusion cage. The goal of the procedure is to stimulate the vertebrae to grow together into one solid bone (known as a fusion). A fusion creates a rigid and immovable column of bone in the problem section of the spine.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery is a modern medical procedure that treats chronic lower back and leg pain through spinal fusion. PLIF specifically targets damaged or degenerative intervertebral discs.
Consult with the leading spine specialists in New York City and Long Island at New York Spine Specialist to learn more about PLIF surgery and whether you or a loved one might be a candidate for the procedure.
PLIF is a surgical approach that uses bone grafting techniques to join two or more vertebrae to control pain caused by their movement. Modern spinal surgery technology and methods often allow surgeons to perform the fusion as a minimally invasive procedure.
A PLIF procedure involves approaching the spine from the posterior, or back, of the body. A spine surgeon makes small incisions on the patient’s back and uses dilators to spread the muscles surrounding the disc space. Using a special microscope, the surgeon places rods and screws around the target vertebrae through the dilator tubes.
The surgeon places bone material between the vertebrae, which stimulates the growth of new bone mass to fuse the vertebrae.
PLIF surgery has many advantages over traditional procedures. The surgery causes minimal damage to surrounding tissues and nerve roots, promoting faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. Most patients report less pain with PLIF surgery than traditional open surgeries. About 80% of patient report significant relief after PLIF.
New York Spine Specialist is a top medical firm with offices throughout New York City and Long Island. We perform spinal services for many conditions, including PLIF posterior lumbar fusion surgery, TLIF transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion treatments, and many others.
Request an appointment with New York Spine Specialist online or call us at (516) 355-0111 to schedule a consultation about posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
To determine if you are a candidate for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion our specialists will discuss your history of mechanical lower back pain. This low back pain may or may be accompanied by leg pain. Other factors may include degenerative disc disease and lumbar instability, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal Stenosis, spinal instability caused by previous surgeries, or pseudo arthritis. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
These are some questions patients often ask about PLIF surgery.
An experienced spine surgeon in New York typically performs PLIF surgery in two to six hours. The time an individual undergoes surgery depends on the patient’s health, the number of spinal levels involved, and other factors.
It usually takes patients six to 12 weeks to recover from PLIF Surgery. Pain around the incision area lasts a few days, and lower back soreness can last two to four weeks. Most patients can return to many types of jobs in two weeks. Patients may need pain medication for a few days.
Some exercise is appropriate immediately after posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. However, your surgeon will likely restrict you from doing heavy activities like bending and lifting. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery instructions and restrictions, but short and frequent walks are typically beneficial for faster healing.
