Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a commonly performed spinal fusion procedure that can be performed at a single level or a multiple adjacent levels.

It relies on the introduction of pedicle screws with connecting rods posteriorly. A partial laminectomy is performed to gain access to the spinal canal and the theca (and cauda equina) retracted to enable a discectomy. Following this, an interbody cage is introduced with bone graft to facilitate eventual interbody osseous fusion.