Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a type of lumbar fusion performed through a posterior (back) approach, where the surgeon removes a damaged disc and places a bone graft or implant into the disc space from one side of the spine to restore height and stabilize the segment.

 

Direct lateral interbody fusion (DLIF) is a minimally invasive lumbar fusion performed through the patient’s side, allowing the surgeon to remove the disc and insert an implant without working directly through the back muscles, often reducing muscle disruption and blood loss