01 — Overview
A PLIF reaches the disc space from directly behind, on both sides of the midline, which allows a wide central decompression at the same sitting. It involves more retraction of the neural elements than a TLIF, so it is selected for particular anatomy rather than used as a default.
02 — Who it suits
- Central stenosis requiring wide bilateral decompression alongside fusion
- Anatomy where a transforaminal corridor is not available
- Selected revision cases
03 — How it is done
Bilateral laminectomy and partial facetectomy expose the canal. The dural sac and nerve roots are gently retracted to reach the disc on each side. The disc is removed, cages are placed, and pedicle screws and rods secure the alignment.
04 — Recovery
Transient nerve irritation from retraction can occur in the early weeks. The fusion timeline is comparable to other interbody techniques and is discussed with you beforehand.
05 — Conditions treated
- Spinal Stenosis A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Spondylolisthesis & Spinal Instability A condition where a vertebra slips out of place onto the bone below it, causing pain and nerve compression.
- Degenerative Disc Disease A condition where the spinal discs wear down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and potential nerve compression.
Timelines and techniques described here are general. Your own plan depends on your anatomy, your imaging and your medical history, and is decided with you at consultation.
