Lower back pain and instability can significantly reduce your quality of life. When conservative treatments no longer provide relief, spinal fusion procedures like Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) may be necessary to restore stability and function. At Nadora Healthcare, patients have access an experienced spine specialist in the region, offering advanced surgical care at Colorado’s only Spine Center of Excellence.
Led by Dr. Scott Dhupar, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, and Dr. K. Soraya Heidari, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, the spine team at Nadora Healthcare provides world-class treatment for complex spinal disorders, including PLIF surgery.
What Is a Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF)?
PLIF is a type of spinal fusion surgery performed through the back (posterior) of the spine. It is used to:
- Stabilize the spine
- Alleviate nerve compression
- Correct spinal deformities or instability
- Relieve chronic lower back and leg pain
During the procedure, your surgeon removes a damaged or degenerated disc and replaces it with a bone graft or implant between the lumbar vertebrae. Metal screws and rods are then used to secure the spine while the bone graft fuses the vertebrae together over time.
PLIF is commonly performed to treat:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
- Recurrent disc herniation
- Spinal instability
- Lumbar stenosis with instability
When Should PLIF Be Considered?
At Nadora Healthcare, a spine specialist will first explore all conservative treatment options before recommending surgery. You may be a candidate for PLIF if:
- You experience severe or chronic low back pain that radiates to the legs
- Non-surgical treatments such as injections, medications, and physical therapy have failed
- You have spinal instability, slippage (spondylolisthesis), or nerve compression
- Imaging studies show disc degeneration or significant spinal deformity
Each patient receives a personalized evaluation to determine whether PLIF is the most appropriate and effective treatment option.
What to Expect During PLIF Surgery
PLIF surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Here’s what the procedure involves:
- Incision: A small incision is made in the lower back to access the spine.
- Disc Removal: The damaged disc is carefully removed.
- Bone Graft Placement: A bone graft or synthetic spacer is inserted into the disc space to restore height and alignment.
- Stabilization: Screws and rods are placed to stabilize the spine while the fusion occurs.
- Closure: The incision is closed, and the patient is monitored during recovery.
Nadora Healthcare’s spine specialists use advanced intraoperative imaging and navigation to ensure precision and safety during each step of the surgery.
Recovery After PLIF
Recovery from PLIF surgery varies by patient but typically includes:
- A short hospital stay (usually 1–3 days)
- Return to light activity within a few weeks
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility
- Full fusion and recovery over 6 to 12 months
Your Nadora spine care team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and closely monitor your healing process through regular follow-up visits.
Why Choose Nadora Healthcare for PLIF?
Choosing the right provider for spinal fusion surgery is critical. Here’s why Nadora Healthcare is the trusted choice for patients across Colorado:
- Expert Surgeons: Dr. Dhupar and Dr. Heidari bring unmatched training and experience to every procedure.
- Spine Center of Excellence: Nadora is Colorado’s only officially recognized Spine Center of Excellence, offering elite standards of care.
- Patient-Centered Philosophy: Every treatment plan is personalized to the patient’s condition, goals, and lifestyle.
- Advanced Technology: Minimally invasive options, intraoperative navigation, and the latest surgical tools ensure precise outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: From diagnosis through recovery, patients receive coordinated, compassionate care at every step.
Schedule a Consultation with a Spine Specialist Today
If you’re suffering from ongoing lower back pain, weakness, or nerve symptoms that have not improved with conservative care, Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion may be the right solution. A spine specialist at Nadora Healthcare can help you determine the best path forward, backed by experience, technology, and a commitment to excellence.
Contact Colorado’s only Spine Center of Excellence today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Scott Dhupar or Dr. K. Soraya Heidari and learn how PLIF surgery can help you regain strength, stability, and quality of life.
