Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Our skilled physicians use innovative spine surgeries to help treat your lumbar conditions.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)

Our skilled physicians use innovative spine surgeries to help treat your lumbar conditions.

Personalized Spine Surgery to Treat Lower Back Pain

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) are two types of spinal fusion surgeries that can be done using intraoperative navigation and robotics. These procedures treat lower back pain, instability or weakness caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, lumbar stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy and spondylolisthesis.  

To perform the PLIF procedure, surgeons first clear away the damaged area of your spine. They then put two interbody fusion devices — also called interbody fusion cages — in the space to realign the spine and create space for bone material (bone graft). Next, surgeons add the bone graft and gently move the spinal nerves. As the bone heals, the graft will join the vertebra above and below it to form a single bone.  

Compared to the PLIF procedure, the TLIF procedure is performed minimally invasive. In this procedure, surgeons use just one interbody fusion device between vertebrae. Your surgeon will let you know which procedure is best for you.  

Most people who have PLIF or TLIF spend two to four days in the hospital after surgery. While you’re in the hospital, a physical therapist and occupational therapist will show you how to get in and out of bed on your own safely and make sure you know how to protect your back during recovery. If a back brace is recommended, one will be provided for you prior to leaving the hospital.

Spine Surgery Excellence

We’re recognized for exceptional spine care as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shieldyou’re receiving care from the best.

We make your experience comfortable and worry-free through our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program, providing you with less pain and a shorter hospital stay.

You can count on a team approach that ensures you get comprehensive care, including spine surgeons, physical therapists and pain management experts.

Ram Kiran Alluri, MD

Accepting new patients
Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Thomas C. Chen, MD, PhD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor  View more

Raymond J. Hah, MD

Accepting new patients
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Patrick C. Hsieh, MD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Clinical Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

John C. Liu, MD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Neurosurgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

Christopher C. Ornelas, MD

Accepting new patients
Chief of Spine Medicine, Director of USC Spine Medicine Serv …
Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Medicine  View more

Michael Safaee, MD

Accepting new patients
Assistant Professor Of Clinical Neurological Surgery
Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery

Mark J. Spoonamore, MD

Accepting new patients
Associate Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

Gene Tekmyster, DO

Accepting new patients
Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine  View more

Jeffrey C. Wang, MD

Accepting new patients
Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery ( …
Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery

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