PLIF

Definition

Lumbar spondylosis

- disc degeneration causing arthritis / lower back pain

Discogenic lower back pain

Anatomy

Annulus fibrosis

- outer aspect of disc

- type I collagen

- fibres continuous with endplate & ALL/PLL

PLIF / Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Technique

1.  Wide laminotomy 

- resection flavum, significant cranial lamina

- preserve if possible the posterior elements