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BACK PAIN FUSIONS

Fusions Treating Low Back Pain

Fusions treating low back pain are called Lumbar Interbody Fusions. These procedures will remove parts of damaged or diseased discs and put a bone graft material in its place. Over time, the bone will grow around it and eventually fuse two parts of a vertebrae together.

Lumbar Interbody Fusions

Northshore surgeons, Dr. K. Samer Shamieh, Dr. Justin L. Owen, Dr. Jeremy James and Dr. Sean Michael Rider are conservative, minimally-invasive spine surgeons. At AVALA Spine we will work with you to treat your symptoms non-surgically first. If the pain does not subside, a surgery will be recommended.

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)

This minimally invasive procedure could also be referred to as a Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF). A small incision is made on the patient’s back to access the lumbar spine. Patients tend to experience less post-surgical pain and recover faster from surgery using this approach.

Fusions treating low back pain are called Lumbar Interbody Fusions. These procedures will remove parts of damaged or diseased discs and put a bone graft material in its place. Over time, the bone will grow around it and eventually fuse two parts of a vertebrae together.

Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion (DLIF)

A Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion may also be referred to as a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (XLIF). In a Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion (DLIF), the surgeon approaches the damaged or diseased disc from the patient’s side, rather than the front or the back, through a very small incision, only one or two centimeters long. The surgeon is able to separate the muscles and access the spine without cutting through any muscle tissue.

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF)

An Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a surgical procedure utilizing a three- to five-inch incision on the front or side of the stomach, rather than the lower back. With this procedure, the muscles and nerves in your back experience less trauma, and the surgeon has direct access to the disc. The surgeon also has the option to place a much larger implant with an anterior approach. Golf star, Tiger woods had the same surgery. Read about his experience here.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TECHNIQUES

AVALA Spine offers spinal procedures using minimally invasive techniques. It means smaller incisions, sometimes less than an inch, that is often covered with a band-aid. The minimally invasive spine surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through the tiny incisions to access the damaged disc. Unlike traditional “open” spine surgery, entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues. Less muscle and tissue damage results in less pain and a faster recovery. Click here to learn more.

This site is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment or services to you or to any other individual. Through this site and links to other sites, AVALA Spine provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use this information in place of a visit, call consultation or the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. AVALA Spine is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.

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