What is Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

Open incision spinal fusion procedures have been performed for many years, however recent advancements in spine surgery at The Spine Institute of Louisiana have allowed our Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeons and Neurosurgeons to perform spinal fusion procedures in a minimally invasive manner. With this technique, a smaller incision is used, less surgical trauma is caused and recovery is much quicker.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion procedures are used to treat a damaged intervertebral disc and/or a compressed nerve root that causes back and neck pain that may radiate into the extremities.
At The Spine Institute of Louisiana, our Board Certified Spine Surgeons have helped thousands of patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle after a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion.

How Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion is Performed

At The Spine Institute of Louisiana, a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion can be performed either as an outpatient or an inpatient procedure based on what you and your Spine Institute of Louisiana surgeon feel is best for you.
During a Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion procedure:

• The disc is removed. The damaged or herniated intervertebral disc is removed.
• The disc is replaced. A bone graft filled implant is carefully placed between adjacent vertebrae.
• The implant is fixated. Rods or plates and screws fixate adjacent vertebrae so they may fuse to form a single solid bone.

Depending upon your unique condition there are several types of Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion approaches:

• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)
• Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)
• Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
• Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF)

Make an Appointment with a Spine Institute of Louisiana Spine Surgeon Today

• If you have been considering a spinal fusion procedure, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Spine Surgeons.
• We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of spinal fusion procedure is best for you.