Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented Fusion, ILIF, is typically used to treat back pain caused by spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis.
During the ILIF procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the lower back and an opening is created through the ligaments. This allows access to the spinous processes (the bone you can feel when you run your hand down your spine). The damaged portion of the disc is removed and allograft bone is placed in the empty space. This helps protect the spinal cord and nerves. A metal implant is inserted to stabilize the spine and secure the spinous processes until the fusion takes place. Morsellated bone is used together with the allograft to fuse the vertebra above and below.
Advantages of using the ILIF procedure over traditional spine surgery can mean a smaller incision, less blood loss, less post-operative pain and quicker return to activity. This procedure is generally performed in an outpatient setting or 23 hour stay.
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Some symptoms can become permanent if you don’t see the physician with in 24 hours. Find out when you can use “watchful waiting” and when you have an emergency symptom.
What do exercises have to do with relieving pain? Research in sports medicine and spine care exercises have shown to help relieve joint, ligament, muscle problems in the legs, arms, neck and back and increase range of motion.
Dr. Michael Rohan, Jr. is fellowship-trained in spine surgery, the highest level of medical education in the U.S. Over the past 10 years, Northwest Florida Spine has been referred back and neck pain patients from across the Gulf Coast region for the most advanced minimally invasive spine surgery and artificial disc replacement surgery. Responding to its regional reputation in spine care, in early 2018, the spine center transitioned its name from Panama City Spine to Northwest Florida Spine which reflects the regional draw of patients.
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