TLIF
Medical abbreviation · Musculoskeletal & Rheumatology
| Stands for | Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
TLIF stands for Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, a musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviation.
Spine fusion operation performed from the back, in which a disc is removed through one side of the spinal canal and replaced with a cage packed with bone graft, combined with pedicle screws and rods. It is used for spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation and instability.
Example: Grade I L4–L5 degenerative spondylolisthesis with stenosis; L4–L5 TLIF.
Usage notes
Compared with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), the transforaminal route needs less retraction of the nerves. Minimally invasive versions use tubular retractors and percutaneous screws. Lateral (LLIF) and anterior (ALIF) approaches are alternatives. Pronounced "TEE-lif".
Related abbreviations
More musculoskeletal & rheumatology abbreviations
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- ACLR – Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
- APS – Antiphospholipid syndrome
- AS – Ankylosing spondylitis
- AVN – Avascular necrosis
- axSpA – Axial spondyloarthritis
- BTB – Bone-patellar tendon-bone (graft)
- CES – Cauda equina syndrome
- CPPD – Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease
- CRPP – Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning
- CRPS – Complex regional pain syndrome
- CTS – Carpal tunnel syndrome
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.