Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Is a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, commonly known as TLIF, is a procedure offered by our neurosurgeons at NeuroSpine Plus. This surgical technique is designed to alleviate persistent pain and instability in the lower spine by allowing direct access through the intervertebral foramen—an essential passageway for the nerves branching out from the spinal cord to the body.
At NeuroSpine Plus, our surgeons employ TLIF as one of multiple strategic methods for achieving spinal fusion. TLIF effectively relieves pressure on compressed nerves and eliminates unwanted spinal segment motion, resulting in significant pain reduction.
NeuroSpine Plus is dedicated to providing quality spinal care with a focus on minimally invasive techniques, ensuring each patient receives individualized treatment conducive to accelerating healing and restoring quality of life.
What Conditions Are Treated With a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)?
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an effective treatment option for various prevalent conditions causing low back pain and/or radiating leg pain. A TLIF may be recommended if you have:
- Debilitating spinal pain
- Spinal nerve compression
- Myelopathy
- Spinal stenosis
- Radiculopathy
- Leg weakness
- Leg pain
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Prior lumbar fusion
- Neurogenic claudication
- Spondylolisthesis
At NeuroSpine Plus, we are dedicated to providing professional care informed by the latest advancements in spinal treatments. Our comprehensive approach ensures each procedure is uniquely adapted to the nuances of the individual’s spinal health challenges.
How Is a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Performed?
- An incision(s) is made on the lumbar spine at the site of your planned surgery.
- With gentle surgical dissection and retraction, a pathway is created to expose the spine.
- The degenerated disc(s) are removed with instrumentation, and the affected nerve roots are freed from any bone spurs or compressing disc fragments.
- A surgical disc spacer (“interbody”/”cage”) may be inserted into the space where your degenerated disc used to be.
- Titanium screws are placed above and below the disc space(s) to provide stability.
- Titanium rods are then used to connect screw heads and are locked into place.
- The incision(s) will be closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures and covered with a dry, sterile dressing.
- You will likely have a small surgical drain exiting from below your incision. This is to empty any blood remaining from your procedure. It will be removed prior to your discharge.
If advised by your surgeon, you will wear a supportive lumbar brace following surgery. Over time, the levels operated on will “fuse,” or grow together, like one continuous bony structure.
What to Expect Following a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
Your postoperative healing progress will be closely overseen by our team of providers, ensuring a routine recovery. A member of our team will contact you within the first 48 hours of your procedure to monitor your progress. Your initial postoperative appointment will be scheduled within two weeks of your surgical date. A member of our team is always available to answer questions or address your concerns during your recovery period. General postoperative recommendations include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Use of postoperative pain medications as prescribed
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Over-the-counter Tylenol for pain
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Advance your diet as tolerated as discussed with your team; ensure regular bowel movements.
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Avoid bending/twisting/ lifting
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Do not lift greater than 10 pounds
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Do not smoke
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Do not drink alcohol
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Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
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Do not use NSAIDs until cleared by your surgeon (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, etc)
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Incision care to include washing your incision with gentle antibacterial soap 48 hours after your procedure. No scrubbing, submerging, or soaking the incision(s). No lotions, creams, oils, or ointments atop the incision(s).
You will likely stay at least one night in the hospital following your surgery. You may be fitted for a lumbar brace either before your surgery or immediately following your surgery. You may begin walking with assistance on the night of surgery. A representative of the surgical team will see you each day of your hospital stay to monitor your care, ensuring your pain is well-controlled and you are healing properly. The drain exiting from below the incision will be removed once it has been determined safe to do so by the provider. Discharge is dependent on clearances from physical therapy, occupational therapy, internal medicine, neurosurgery, consulted professionals, and/or all of the above. At NeuroSpine Plus, we encourage an active recovery, with many patients walking up to two miles within the first two weeks following their procedure. Our minimally invasive TLIF technique can help mitigate soreness and enable an earlier return to activities due to the reduced muscle dissection involved.
When Should You Call Your Doctor Following a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)?
If you have concerns during your postoperative period to include, but not limited to the following:
- High fever greater than 100.4F
- Change in urinary or bowel habits
- Swelling or discoloration of one or both calves
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Incisional compromise
- Loss of strength in your arms or legs
If you have a question regarding your initial postoperative period, a member of our team is always available to answer and address your concerns at 201-399-3388.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) FAQs
To understand what TLIF is, let’s break it down according to the different steps.
- Transforaminal: A surgical approach through your foramina, or the opening the nerve travels through
- Lumbar: Conducted on the intervertebral discs of your lumbar spine
- Interbody: The disc spacer, or ‘cage’, is inserted once the damaged disc has been carefully removed, replacing a damaged disc between two or more of your vertebrae.
- Fusion: Over time, the levels operated on will ‘fuse’, or grow together, like one continuous bony structure.
All surgical procedures have an inherent level of risk associated with them. With the TLIF procedure performed by our board-certified neurosurgeons, the risks are rare. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing any surgery at NeuroSpine Plus are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure.
A TLIF has several advantages, which include:
- Enhanced spinal stability and alignment
- Higher fusion success rates because of direct access to disc space
- Active recovery and rehabilitation
- Lower risk of postoperative complications and infections
- Using specialized tools and real-time X-ray imaging with the aid of a microscope, Dr. Scheid routinely performs TLIF procedures with minimal residual scarring or postoperative pain.
If you’re experiencing chronic lower back pain or leg pain limiting your daily activities, TLIF surgery may provide the relief you need. At NeuroSpine Plus, Dr. Scheid and our team bring over 20 years of experience and more than 8,000 successful surgeries to your care across our six New Jersey locations.
Our minimally invasive approach to TLIF surgery means less muscle damage, reduced postoperative pain, and faster recovery times. To learn whether you may be a candidate for TLIF, fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: August 10, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.