Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF) is a surgical procedure used to treat spinal instability or degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine (lower back). The surgery involves removing a damaged disc and fusing two or more vertebrae through a small incision using specialized instruments and an endoscope.

MIS TLIF is performed to relieve chronic back pain, leg pain (sciatica), and other symptoms caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. The goal is to stabilize the spine, restore proper alignment, and alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves.

The benefits of MIS TLIF include smaller incisions, reduced muscle and tissue damage, less postoperative pain, decreased blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. The minimally invasive approach also typically results in less scarring and a quicker return to normal activities.

While generally safe, MIS TLIF carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, spinal fluid leaks, non-union of the fused vertebrae, hardware failure, adjacent segment disease (problems in spinal segments next to the fused area), and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.

Patients may stay in the hospital for a day or two post-surgery. Light activities can usually be resumed within a few weeks, but heavy lifting, twisting, and bending should be avoided for several months. Physical therapy is often recommended to help regain strength and mobility. Full recovery can take several months, during which the bones continue to fuse and stabilize the spine.