Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Overview

The P-L-I-F is defined as Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion This approach requires a 4-6” incision in the center of the back to access one or two levels. Initial posterior fixation is used to expand the intervertebral space. The PLIF approach removes the spinous processes with lamina, and facet joints. The spinal cord is retracted and the surgeon can access the disc. The surgeon can then remove the diseased disc nucleus to prepare the vertebral bodies for fusion. After the disc is prepared, a biocompatible polymer implant is filled with bone graft material and placed in the disc space. Procedure is repeated for the other side. Additional bone graft may be placed around the implants to increase the surface area for fusion. This procedure is normally accompanied by a posterior fixation with pedicle screws. The implant maintains the spacing of the vertebrae while the fusion takes place. After the fusion is completed and a solid bone mass forms the two vertebrae are joined togethe