My Spine - Lumbar
Images used with permission from Medtronic
Figure 20.1
These drawings illustrate the different bony openings that are created during
two different interbody fusion procedures. The left-hand picture demonstrates
the partial removal of the laminae on both sides. This approach, or bony
opening, is used in a PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion).
The drawing on the right demonstrates the approach for a TLIF (transforam-
inal lumbar interbody fusion). ote how, in this case, the facet joint on the left
has been removed. Both the lamina and the joint are removed to get to the
foramen through which the nerve runs.
In both cases as much as possible of the disc is removed and replaced by
spacers that are filled with bone. It has two functions, the first is to carry the
weight transmitted through the spine and the second function is to allow the
two vertebrae to grow together (fuse).
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