Minimally Invasive TLIF | Prof Aaron Buckland

Minimally Invasive TLIF

Minimally invasive TLIF is a type of spinal surgery designed to relieve lower back and leg pain by fusing two or more lumbar vertebrae through small incisions—resulting in less tissue damage, quicker recovery, and smaller scars.

Overview

Minimally invasive TLIF is performed to treat conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis when non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

Why is MIS TLIF Performed?

TLIF is recommended for patients with persistent back and leg pain due to disc degeneration, vertebral slippage, or spinal narrowing. The minimally invasive approach minimizes muscle disruption, reduces blood loss, and promotes faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

How is the Procedure Done?

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia: You will be under general anesthesia, ensuring you remain asleep and pain-free during the surgery. You will be positioned face down so that your spine can be accessed from the back.

Small Incisions

Incisions: Prof Aaron Buckland makes two small incisions (usually less than an inch long) in your back.

Accessing the Spine

Muscle Retraction: Special tools and a tube-like retractor are used to gently move muscles and tissues aside, preserving them while providing access to the spine.
Microscopic Assistance: A high-powered microscope enhances visualization and precision during decompression and dissection.

Decompression of Nerves

Nerve Decompression: Specialized instruments are used to free the nerves within the spinal canal (traversing nerve) and the foramen (exiting nerve) from any compressive elements.

Removing the Damaged Disc

Disc Removal: The damaged intervertebral disc is partially or completely removed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves and prepare the disc space for fusion.

Insertion of Cage and Bone Graft

Cage Placement: A cage (spacer) filled with bone graft material is inserted into the disc space to restore disc height, align the spine, and promote fusion.

Stabilizing the Spine

Implant Placement: Metal screws and rods are inserted via the same incisions to stabilize the vertebrae while fusion occurs. These implants remain permanently to maintain stability.

Closing the Incisions

Closure: Once the cage and implants are in place, the retractors are removed, the muscles return to their normal position, and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Pre-operative X-Ray AP

Post-operative X-Ray AP

Pre-operative X-Ray Lateral

Recovery

Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1-2 days, with some even going home the same day.
Pain Management: Postoperative pain is managed with medications, typically reducing within 2-4 weeks.
Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program begins shortly after surgery to restore strength and mobility.
Full Recovery: Most patients return to light activities within a few weeks, with more vigorous activities resumed within 3-6 months.

Benefits and Risks

Minimally invasive TLIF offers benefits such as smaller incisions, reduced muscle damage, quicker recovery, and a lower risk of infection compared to open surgery. However, as with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, non-union, and, in rare cases, persistent groin or thigh pain.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Results

Lumbar fusion surgery significantly improves function and pain in the majority of patients. To learn more about Prof Aaron Buckland’s patient-reported outcomes for various lumbar fusion procedures, please click here.

Ready to take the next step? Contact our expert team today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.

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