Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion ( TLIF ) is a contemporary approach to spinal fusion surgery. This is an operation performed on the lower back area to remove the intervertebral discs and join two or more vertebrae (vertebrae) together using screws and cages .
TLIF done with technique "open", that is need a larger incision along the middle of the back. Through this incision, doctor then cuts, or retracts, the spinal muscles and tissues to access the spine and disc space. Cutting and pulling of muscle and tissue this is one of the reasons why after surgery, patient experience a long recovery period , that is, in a span of time several weeks or months.