Concerned about fusion, have osteoporosis: What are TLIF, ALIF, XLIF?

I’m having some issues from the surgery that are probably due to my age, 72. Other than that, I am doing quite well at 2 months. I have the usual restrictions, don’t bend, don’t twist and don’t lift over 8 pounds, but I am quite pleased with my progress.

I had the same problem with my pain med doctor. I did not understand half of what he was saying.
I did 2 things.
1- I talked to the PA for my doctor. She was excellent in explaining the options I had and what the doctor would do in the surgery to correct them. If your doctor has a PA or APRN make an appointment with them
2- I went on the patient portal and downloaded his summary of my problem and solutions. Yes it was mostly medical terms but I went on line and looked up just about every word.

hope that helps you

Has anyone had TLIF and is that done going into the back mainly ? My surgeon said it would involve putting cages in also. I only need one level he says/thinks. My pain is all in my legs. I have throbbing and twitching in my calf muscles after walking only a few steps. I already had a simple decompression with fusion and the symptoms came back after four months.Thanks

Just had a l3 l4 TLIF ( two and a half weeks ago) to address leg pain which had been getting progressively worse over a couple of years.I am a big cyclist and it was making it difficult to ride my bike due to constant pain in my thighs and a constant burning sensation.After waking up from the surgery I could press on my thighs without feeling pain and I’m now walking up and down stairs without the burning sensation of the last few years.
I also had a l4 s1 fusion during Covid which was also a success.
My advice would be to find a surgeon with great credentials at a respected institution and follow the post op instructions very carefully.Everyone tells you that walking is the key to a successful recovery and that was my experience after the first fusion. I walked so much my dogs were begging for mercy.
I realize that this is serious surgery and that many different outcomes are possible but in my case there was no question about having a second fusion.
Feel we’ll.

I have consulted so many surgeons, all at well respected institutions. The last two thought I only needed a simple fusion going in through the Back and just fusing L3-4, where I had a decompression without fusion on March 1, 2024. It helped only for four months so that's why they want to fuse it. I also have Spondyldisis.
So you are fused from L3-4 also ? My legs throb after just walking a little bit. I cycle also which dosen't seem to bother it, just weight bearing.
Where are you located ? Do you mind sharing that and also the surgeon privately to me ? It's getting confusing because I have gotten several recommendations to different surgeons. I'm in NYC area.

@stuartlloyd
So did the surgeon go in through your side or Back ?

Hi. He went in through the side and the whole process has been so much easier than going in through the back.I’m doing 40 minutes of simple exercises a day and walking for an hour a day already.Still using a small dose of oxy and lyrica a day but the pain is now more of an aggravation and sleeping through the night is a big help,especially compared to last time.And I forgot to mention I’m 69 so that should encourage the majority.Hope this helps.

@annie1 hi happy to provide the info
I live in Ct but had the surgeries in NYC
Because I’ve only been on this site for a few days they won’t let you message until a certain (unknown)time has passed
Will provide the details when I am allowed to do so

Ok, I guess you aren't allowed to put it in the general thread either, right ? I'm just anxious because two surgeons recommended the old school going through the back, PLIF which I think would have much more recovery time for my back muscles. And also obviously everyone's spine is different, but I was told by the surgeon that PLIF would give him a better view of all the nerves etc.

Hello All,

I have multiple things very wrong with my spine, Degenerative Disc disease, Spondy, lumbar stenosis, and osteoporosis. I have seen many surgeons who say I need fusion despite the osteoporosis. The pain is in my legs, not my back. Has anyone had fusion who has osteoporosis ?