Spinal fusion surgeries are commonly used to treat various painful spinal conditions. The goal of such surgical procedures is to fuse two or more vertebrae, depending on the situation, and restrict the spine’s movement in that area. This is done if the condition is too severe or the conventional treatment methods fail to provide any relief. So, in such cases, fusion remains the last option left to relieve symptoms associated with the condition.

Spinal fusion surgery is often accompanied by the use of orthopedic implants and Trauma Instruments that are specifically made to be used in the spinal region.

Different types of spinal fusion surgeries are available, and they are selected based on the location and severity of the injury. In this post, we will discuss only one spinal fusion technique: posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF). Let us get detailed insights into this condition. 

What is PLIF Surgery?

Till now, it must have been clear to you that PLIF is a surgical technique that is used to treat painful spinal problems by fusing the vertebrae. But the point here to be noticed is what makes this procedure different from other spinal fusion techniques. Let us answer this question.

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical technique in which the surgeon exposes the spine through the back by making an incision of around 3-6 inches in the midline. Once this is done, left & right lower back muscles are stripped at multiple levels of the lamina, and after this, laminectomy is performed. This provides better visibility of the nerve roots, and the facet joints placed over them are trimmed to create more room for the roots.  

After all this, the surgeon retracts the nerve roots aside and disc space is cleaned. Now, a cage either made of allograft or posterior lumbar interbody cage with bone graft is placed into the disc space. The graft then grows naturally and fuses the vertebrae. 

What Are the Potential Risks Associated with PLIF Surgery?

One of the common risks associated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion is the absence of a solid fusion after the surgery. In such situations, re-surgery might be required. Besides this, people who have had spinal surgeries earlier are highly prone to developing a nonunion. Plus, nonunion rates are also high in those who are obese and smoke too often.

In rare cases, infection or bleeding may also be seen. Such complications are seen in around 1-3% of cases.

Compared to posterolateral gutter spinal fusion, PLIF has a higher chance of obtaining a solid fusion.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is one of the oldest orthopedic manufacturers with over 3 decades of experience. In these years, the company has established long-term relationships with numerous orthopedic surgeons and distributors, and some of them are still working with the company since its inception. Siora is also a reliable OEM/contract manufacturing service provider with hundreds of different types of implants in its inventory. To expand its market reach, the company is also looking to become one of the reliable Orthopaedic Device Companies in Ukraine.