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Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 2/2009

Open Access 01-06-2009

Comparison of low back fusion techniques: transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) approaches

Authors: Chad D. Cole, Todd D. McCall, Meic H. Schmidt, Andrew T. Dailey

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 2/2009

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Abstract

The authors review and compare posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). A review of the literature is performed wherein the history, indications for surgery, surgical procedures with their respective biomechanical advantages, potential complications, and grafting substances are presented. Along with the technical advancements and improvements in grafting substances, the indications and use of PLIF and TLIF have increased. The rate of arthrodesis has been shown to increase given placement of bone graft along the weight-bearing axis. The fusion rate across the disc space is further enhanced with the placement of posterior pedicle screw–rod constructs and the application of an osteoinductive material. The chief advantages of the TLIF procedure compared with the PLIF procedure included a decrease in potential neurological injury, improvement in lordotic alignment given graft placement within the anterior column, and preservation of posterior column integrity through minimizing lamina, facet, and pars dissection.
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Metadata
Title
Comparison of low back fusion techniques: transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) approaches
Authors
Chad D. Cole
Todd D. McCall
Meic H. Schmidt
Andrew T. Dailey
Publication date
01-06-2009
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 2/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-009-9053-8

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