Understanding the Main Types of Spine Fusion Surgery

There are many types of spine surgery, and spine fusion is just one of them. Generally speaking, spine fusion is a good surgery for patients who are not eligible for other, less invasive types of spine surgery such as endoscopic spine surgeries that don’t require a fusion, or endoscopic spine surgery.

Fusion of the spine has many potential benefits, from reducing pain to correcting stability issues. But spine fusion isn’t a one-size-fits-most procedure either. In fact, there are several types of spine fusion techniques or approaches that your surgeon will do depending on what’s best for your specific condition. Each is a little different from the other.

Furthermore, the type of surgery performed on you is generally decided under the recommendation of the particular surgeon you choose, meaning your choice in surgeon can have a huge impact on the type of procedure performed.

It’s with that in mind that we provide you with the following overview of the three main types of spine fusion surgery we offer here at Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center.

Types of Spine Fusion Surgery

1. ALIF

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a spinal fusion surgery that treats conditions like degenerative disc disease by reducing motion around problematic spinal areas. Performed through an anterior approach, it avoids back muscle dissection, leading to a faster, less painful recovery.

ALIF can be done as an open or minimally invasive (Mini ALIF) procedure, with the latter preserving abdominal muscles for an even quicker recovery. During surgery, the damaged disc material is removed, an interbody implant restores disc height, and bone graft material fuses the vertebrae.

ALIF is beneficial for its reduced recovery time and minimized nerve damage risk. However, it’s not suitable for patients with prior significant abdominal surgery, certain vascular conditions, or severe osteoporosis.

2. XLIF

Extreme Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (XLIF) is a minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery that stabilizes and corrects severe lumbar spine damage while reducing tissue damage and healing time.

XLIF is considered when patients experience persistent back or radicular pain unresponsive to conservative treatments.

The procedure involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an interbody implant and bone graft which will fuse the two vertebrae together.

XLIF offers several benefits, including shorter surgery time, less blood loss, minimal scarring, reduced pain, and quicker recovery versus traditional spinal fusion surgeries. However, it may not be suitable for all spinal conditions, or something your surgeon knows how to do. It’s best to ask to see if you are a candidate.

3. TLIF

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a spinal fusion surgery that relieves spinal nerve pressure by decompressing and opening up the spinal canal, stabilizes the lumbar spine, and restores proper spinal curvature and disc height.

Unlike traditional spinal fusion surgeries, most TLIF patients can go home the next day and resume daily activities within six weeks.

The procedure involves accessing the spine through a midline incision, removing part of the damaged disc, and inserting an interbody implant (or cage) and bone graft to fuse the vertebrae.

TLIF benefits include reduced risk of destabilization, less nerve damage, and a faster, easier recovery. It is suitable for conditions like degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, mild to moderate scoliosis, and spinal stenosis.

What’s the Difference Between ALIF vs. TLIF?

Both surgeries aim to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain, but they differ in approach and recovery.

ALIF accesses the spine through the lower abdomen, avoiding back muscle manipulation and often resulting in quicker recovery and less postoperative pain. TLIF, on the other hand, involves an incision in the back, with minimal disruption to the spinal nerves and surrounding tissues, also facilitating a faster recovery.

What’s the Difference Between XLIF vs. TLIF?

XLIF accesses the spine through the side, minimizing disruption to muscles and soft tissues, resulting in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery.

It is particularly suitable for conditions like degenerative disc disease, large disc herniations, and spinal stenosis.

TLIF, on the other hand, accesses the spine from the back, providing direct access to the intervertebral disc and vertebrae, often used for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and spinal instability.

TLIF benefits include less risk of nerve damage and direct visualization to your spine without having to manipulate through soft tissue.

What’s the Difference Between Cervical Spine Fusion vs. Lumbar Spine Fusion?

The human spine extends from the base of the skill at the neck to the tip of the tailbone.

Cervical spine fusion targets the neck, or cervical vertebrae. Lumbar spine fusion, meanwhile, targets the lower back, or lumbar vertebrae.

All of the above types of spine surgery are lumbar surgeries, meaning they are performed in the lower back, not the neck. If you require fusion of the cervical spine, ACDF, total disc replacement, or endoscopic spine surgery of the cervical spine may be suitable procedures for you.

What is Life After Spinal Fusion Surgery Like?

When performed successfully, and under the right conditions, most spinal fusion surgeries can last for life. But there’s always a risk of post-operative infection, wound dehiscence, or future adjacent level breakdown.

For most patients, life after spine surgery represents a marked improvement compared to life before spine surgery (with a return back to living life pain free and resuming activities that you were once limited or unable to do).

Get a Spine Consultation Today

What type of spine fusion surgery (if any) requires more than just an understanding of the different types of surgery available to you.

It requires an individualized consultation with an experienced spine surgeon who can evaluate your condition, review your spinal imaging with you, and while taking your medical needs into account, can provide his expert opinion accordingly. Its also important to know that not all doctors are well versed or know how to do the latest and best procedures, and too many surgeons offer a ‘one-size fits most approach. Not Dr. Baig! He offers a custom-tailored approach when evaluating your spine and is trained in all types of spinal fusion surgeries as well as minimally invasive procedures.

Ready to decrease pain and enjoy a better quality of life? Reach out for your medical evaluation today.