Personalized Spine Surgery to Treat Lower Back Pain
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) are two types of spinal fusion surgeries that can be done using intraoperative navigation and robotics. These procedures treat lower back pain, instability or weakness caused by conditions like degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, lumbar stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy and spondylolisthesis.
To perform the PLIF procedure, surgeons first clear away the damaged area of your spine. They then put two interbody fusion devices — also called interbody fusion cages — in the space to realign the spine and create space for bone material (bone graft). Next, surgeons add the bone graft and gently move the spinal nerves. As the bone heals, the graft will join the vertebra above and below it to form a single bone.
Compared to the PLIF procedure, the TLIF procedure is performed minimally invasive. In this procedure, surgeons use just one interbody fusion device between vertebrae. Your surgeon will let you know which procedure is best for you.
Most people who have PLIF or TLIF spend two to four days in the hospital after surgery. While you’re in the hospital, a physical therapist and occupational therapist will show you how to get in and out of bed on your own safely and make sure you know how to protect your back during recovery. If a back brace is recommended, one will be provided for you prior to leaving the hospital.
What Is PLIF Surgery?
Spine Surgery Excellence
We’re recognized for exceptional spine care as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross Blue Shield — you’re receiving care from the best.
We make your experience comfortable and worry-free through our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program, providing you with less pain and a shorter hospital stay.
You can count on a team approach that ensures you get comprehensive care, including spine surgeons, physical therapists and pain management experts.
Our Locations
Showing 8 locations
La Canada – USC Healthcare Center
Toyota Sports Performance Center
Glendale – Orthopedic & Spine Surgery
Los Angeles – USC Healthcare Center 4
Beverly Hills
Pasadena – 625 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
Santa Clarita – Orthopedic Surgery
Arcadia – 301 W Huntington
Showing 3 locations
La Canada – USC Healthcare Center
Toyota Sports Performance Center
Glendale – Orthopedic & Spine Surgery
Our Team
Ram Alluri, MD
Medical Specialties
Spine Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery
Thomas Chen, MD, PhD
Medical Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Brain Tumor, Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery
David Cheng, MD
Medical Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal…
Raymond Hah, MD
Medical Specialties
Spine Surgery
Patrick Hsieh, MD
Medical Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
John Liu, MD
Medical Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Christopher Ornelas, MD
Medical Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Surgery, Pain Medicine, Interventional Spine…
Michael Safaee, MD
Medical Specialties
Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery
Mark Spoonamore, MD
Medical Specialties
Spine Surgery
Gene Tekmyster, DO
Medical Specialties
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal…
Jeffrey Wang, MD
Medical Specialties
Spine Surgery