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TLIF Surgery in New Jersey

Chronic back pain doesn’t have to mean the end of activities you love. If you are struggling with pain, seek treatment today. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a spine specialist clinic with locations throughout New Jersey. Our world-renowned neurosurgeon has mastered complex procedures like TLIF surgeries and other spine procedures to provide positive outcomes for his patients.

What Is TLIF Surgery?

TLIF stands for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The procedure is used to permanently treat some forms of lower back pain. Though it is not always the first treatment recommended, TLIF can provide long-lasting stability and relief.

This advanced approach to spinal fusion works by fastening two or more vertebrae together using hardware implants. Bone graft material is inserted into the gaps. As the graft material heals, it fuses the vertebrae into a single long bone. The goal is to decompress the spinal cord, stop joint degeneration, and eliminate further movement in the spine segment.

What Does TLIF Surgery Treat?

Because TLIF surgery sacrifices some flexibility, it is rarely the first treatment we recommend at NU-Spine. Instead, our spine specialist, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, will carefully monitor a patient’s condition while devising a treatment plan. Early treatments use conservative methods such as physical therapy, pain medications, injections, or activity modifications. If this approach fails to address your pain effectively, TLIF surgery may become necessary. TLIF is used to treat conditions including:

Any of these conditions may result in severe, sometimes life-altering symptoms. If you are struggling with lower back pain, it’s understandable to want a lasting solution. Trust the experts at NU-Spine to recommend the best treatment for your condition. We use advanced diagnosis technology and a variety of spinal procedures to ensure the best long-term results for our patients.

Our Spine Surgeon at NU-Spine

TLIF is an extremely complex surgery that must be performed by an experienced neurosurgeon. At NU-Spine, Branko Skovrlj, MD, performs all our spine surgeries. He is a world-renowned neurosurgeon who contributes to research efforts to improve the field of spine medicine. He is also one of the few board-certified neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus exclusively on the spine, and he specializes in complex reconstructive procedures – making him an excellent choice for procedures like TLIF.

In addition, Dr. Skovrlj emphasizes minimally invasive spine surgeries. This advanced approach to surgery uses small incisions which cause less stress to the body, allowing for a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Patients experience less pain, face less risk of infection, and can return to their normal lives sooner.

How Is TLIF Done?

Before the day of your surgery, Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions on how to prepare. He may ask you to stop eating, drinking, or taking medications that may interfere with the procedure. TLIF surgery is performed under general anesthesia that will keep you asleep throughout the process. After administering the anesthesia, Dr. Skovrlj will then follow a series of steps:

He removes a small amount of bone, typically from your hip, to be used in the bone graft.
A small incision is made over the section of the spine designated for treatment.
Using specialized tools, Dr. Skovrlj removes part of the facet joint and lamina.
He then removes material to enlarge the foramina openings, relieving pressure on your nerve roots and spinal cord.
He removes part or all of the intervertebral disc.
A spacer is inserted into the opening left by the removed disc. The spacer is a porous box filled with bone graft material.
Pedicle screws are placed above and below the spacer to stabilize the joint.
The incision is closed and bandaged.

Afterward, you will likely stay in the hospital for several days before being dismissed. This allows us to monitor your vital signs and prevent infection around the surgical site. Once you go home, we will provide pain medication to provide temporary relief while you recover. Dr. Skovrlj will also be in touch with recovery instructions. You will likely need to restrict your activity for several weeks after the surgery. In the long term, you can expect a full recovery resulting in a pain-free back.

Treat Your Back Pain at NU-Spine

If you are struggling with severe back pain that nothing seems to help, TLIF surgery may be the answer. Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with the spine experts at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, or Hainesport, NJ.