Lumbar Spinal Fusion is a Minimally Invasive procedure that is performed to relieve pressure on spinal nerve roots caused by a variety of Degenerative Disc Diseases. This procedure involves the removal of herniated spinal discs and/or bone spurs and uses an implant to fuse two of the spinal vertebrae together to increase stability in the spine.

During a Spinal Fusion surgery, magnification and proper illumination and specially designed surgical instruments are used to remove the herniated disc and/or bone spurs. Once removed, an implant is placed in the space formerly occupied by the disc. This implant is filled with the patients own bone material in an effort to help the bones fuse more naturally. Pedicle screws may be used to ensure the stability of the newly fused segments.

Depending upon the anatomy and area of injury, several different approaches are available. All of these procedures require only an incision of about 3-4 cm and are performed on an outpatient basis. Our Minimally Invasive Approach avoids unnecessary muscle dissection and damage to the surrounding areas and utilizes fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accuracy. With this Minimally Invasive Approach, patients are able to return to their active routines much faster than with traditional spine surgery.

• ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Inter-body Fusion): The incision for an ALIF procedure is made typically through the lower abdomen or side. This procedure is usually assisted by a vascular surgeon who provides exposure to the vertebral bodies in concert with the spinal surgeon.
• TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Inter-body Fusion): The incision for a TLIF procedure is made through the back of the spine using a muscle sparing approach. This approach allows for the procedure to be performed while maintaining the integrity and viability of the surrounding muscle and tissue.
• XLIF (Xtreme Lumbar Inter-body Fusion): The incisions for a XLIF procedure are made through two small incisions on the patient’s side at the level of the affected spinal disc(s). This approach allows for the procedure to be performed while maintaining the integrity and viability of the surrounding muscle and tissue.

At the New Jersey Spine Institute, all of our procedures are performed by a team of two Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeons to maximize relief and minimize your recovery time.