Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Gaillard F, Weerakkody Y, Knipe H, et al. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 20 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-59902
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a commonly performed spinal fusion procedure that can be performed at a single level or multiple adjacent levels.
See: lumbar interbody overview (overview).
Either an open midline or minimally invasive paramedian approach can be performed for surgery at the L1-S1 levels. Pedicle screws with connecting rods are fixated posteriorly. A laminotomy is performed to gain access to the spinal canal and the theca (with cauda equina) retracted to enable a discectomy. Following this, an interbody cage is introduced with bone graft to facilitate eventual interbody osseous fusion 1-3.
PLIF-specific complications include lumbar plexus or nerve root injury from prolonged retraction 3.
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1. DiPaola CP, Molinari RW. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion. (2008) The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 16 (3): 130-9. Pubmed
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2. Rutherford EE, Tarplett LJ, Davies EM, Harley JM, King LJ. Lumbar spine fusion and stabilization: hardware, techniques, and imaging appearances. (2007) Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 27 (6): 1737-49. doi:10.1148/rg.276065205 - Pubmed
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3. Mobbs RJ, Phan K, Malham G, Seex K, Rao PJ. Lumbar interbody fusion: techniques, indications and comparison of interbody fusion options including PLIF, TLIF, MI-TLIF, OLIF/ATP, LLIF and ALIF. (2015) Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong). 1 (1): 2-18. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2414-469X.2015.10.05 - Pubmed
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