Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF): An Overview

Overview

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), is a  surgery carried out to treat conditions that cause lower back discomfort and instability, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis. During a PLIF surgery, portions of bone or disc material that are causing the symptoms will be removed and the surgeon places a bone graft material in the space between the vertebrae (individual bones of the spine), promoting new bone growth and fusing the vertebrae together. Read on to understand the procedure in detail.

What is Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a surgery that is intended to treat lower back discomfort and instability caused by disorders such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis. The surgeon removes a portion of the bone or disc material within two vertebrae in the back area and replaces it with a bone graft or artificial implant during this surgery. The next step involves getting the vertebrae ready for fusion and inserting the bone graft or implant between the vertebrae through an incision in the center of the lower back. The aim of PLIF is to encourage vertebral fusion, which helps stabilize the spine and relieve symptoms such as pain and numbness. Following surgery, the patient will normally require a few days in the hospital for recovery as well as physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to rebuild flexibility and strength.

When is a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) recommended?

A Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) procedure may be suggested if non-surgical therapy has failed to relieve lower back discomfort and instability caused by problems such as:

• Degenerative Disc Disease: The spinal discs can gradually undergo wear and tear that can cause discomfort, stiffness, and loss of motion.
• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal can lead to spinal nerve compression and discomfort, paralysis, or numbness in your legs and lower back.
• Spondylolisthesis: Here one vertebra slips out of position, producing discomfort and instability.
• Herniated Disc: A soft interior substance of a spinal disc flows out and irritates adjacent nerves, producing pain and numbness.
• Spinal Fractures: Damage in the vertebrae of the spine that may lead to instability and discomfort.

If non-surgical therapies like physical therapy, medicine, or spinal injections have failed to offer relief and the issue worsens, a PLIF may be advised. The choice to have PLIF, on the other hand, should be taken in conjunction with a trained spine surgeon who can analyze the patient's situation and prescribe the best therapy.

How to Prepare For a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?

Preparing for the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) entails numerous stages that are critical to the procedure's success. Here are a few things patients might have to do before having a PLIF:

• Medical examination: The patient will have to go through a full medical evaluation, which will include blood tests, imaging scans, and other tests, to determine their general health and if they are a good candidate for surgery.
• Medication adjustments: The doctor will discuss the current medications and recommend some changes if necessary. Stopping certain drugs, such as blood thinners, that might increase the possibility of bleeding after surgery, may be necessary.
• Stop smoking: As smoking can interfere with the healing process, you will need to quit smoking prior to the surgery.
• Nutritional evaluation: The patient may require a nutritional evaluation to verify that they are receiving the right nutrients to help the healing process following surgery.
• Preoperative instructions: The patient will get specific instructions from their surgeons on how to get ready for the procedure, including what can be consumed in the days before the procedure, as well as when to stop eating and drinking before the surgery.
• Recovery planning: The patient should make plans for their recovery, such as arranging help with daily tasks like cooking and cleaning, as well as planning physical therapy and rehabilitation appointments.

To get the best potential outcome following PLIF, patients must carefully follow their surgeon's recommendations.

What Happens During a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?

The following steps are taken by the surgeon during a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF):

• Anesthesia: Anesthesia will be given to the patient to make sure that they are asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
• Incision: In order to reach the spine, the surgeon creates an incision in the midline of the lower back.
• Exposure: The surgeon then moves the muscles and tissues that surround the affected spine using specialized instruments to expose the affected portion of the spine.
• Disc removal: An injured or diseased disc within the affected vertebrae is then removed by the surgeon.
• Spinal fusion: A bone graft or an artificial implant is placed between the vertebrae to promote new tissue growth and facilitate fusion. The bone graft or implant promotes the growth of the vertebrae into one solid bone with time.
• Instrumentation: To keep the vertebrae in place as they fuse, the surgeon might employ screws, rods, or other devices.
• Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and is then covered with a sterile dressing.

Following surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery area where they are observed until they awaken from anesthesia. They may have some discomfort and pain, which can be treated with medicine. Before being discharged, the patient is usually required to remain in the hospital for a period of time to recover. After the procedure, they might have to wear a back brace to stabilize the spine and facilitate recovery. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises will also be required for the patient to restore strength and mobility around the lower back.

What to Expect After a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?

Here is what you can expect after a posterior lumbar interbody fusion:

• Hospitalization: After surgery, most patients are needed to stay in the hospital for a period of time to recover. This can vary depending on your overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and your recovery rate.
• Pain management: Following surgery, patients may have some pain and discomfort, which may be treated with pain medication.
• Mobility restrictions: Patients may be required to wear a back brace for many weeks following surgery to support the spine and promote recovery. They may also be recommended to refrain from bending, twisting, or lifting large things for several weeks or months.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy and rehabilitation activities will be required for patients to restore proper mobility.
• Follow-up appointments: Patients must plan follow-up consultations with their surgeon to evaluate their recovery and verify that the fusion is developing as predicted.
• Recovery time: Depending on the degree of the procedure and the individual's health in general, it can take a few months or weeks for patients to fully recover and resume regular activities.

Patients must carefully follow their surgeon's recommendations following surgery to get the greatest potential outcome. Patients should also call their surgeon if they notice any unexpected or signs such as fever, intense pain, or loss of movement since these might be signs of a problem.

What are the Benefits and Risks of a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a surgery used to treat disorders affecting the lower back, such as degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. PLIF, like any surgical procedure, offers certain benefits and risks which may include the following:

Benefits of PLIF:

• Reduced pain: PLIF provides relief from unpleasant symptoms such as chronic pain that can limit your daily activities.
• Improved mobility: PLIF helps stabilize your spine and restore your mobility allowing you to resume normal activities.
• Stability: PLIF may offer stability to the spine by fusing the affected vertebrae together, minimizing the risk of further injury or degeneration.
• High success rate: PLIF offers a high success rate, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and increased mobility following surgery.

Risks of PLIF:

• Bleeding: As with other surgeries, there is a risk of bleeding during and after the surgery with PLIF.
• Infection: Though rare an infection at the surgery site is possible and can be treated with medications.
• Nerve injury: PLIF has the potential to damage the surrounding nerves in the spinal cord, resulting in leg weakness, numbness, or tingling sensation in the legs.
• Fusion failure: In unusual situations, the fusion may fail, requiring another surgery.
• Failure of hardware: The screws or rods that hold the vertebrae in place can break or loosen with time, requiring another surgery.
• Blood clots: In rare cases, blood clots may develop in the legs, which can lead to further complications.
• Problems of anesthesia: There is a slight chance of allergic reactions to anesthesia such as breathing trouble.

It is important to understand that PLIF is a safe procedure and complications are rare. However, before choosing to have a surgery, patients should discuss the possible benefits and risks of the procedure with their doctor to understand it better.

What is the Long-term Outlook for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?

The long-term outlook for patients undergoing Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) varies depending on factors such as the underlying condition, age, overall health, and adherence to postoperative instructions.

In general, PLIF surgery can provide significant relief from chronic back pain and other symptoms caused by spinal conditions, allowing patients to resume their daily activities with less discomfort. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the fusion process takes time, and it may take several weeks to months before the patient experiences full relief from their symptoms. To know more about PLIF and its management you can contact the expert team at Medfin. We provide assistance with surgical procedures making your life easy.

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!