Lumbar Conditions in Carmel, IN Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

A lumbar laminectomy is a procedure that creates more space for your spinal nerves. In this surgery, Dr. Swiatek removes part of the lamina, which is the bony area at the back of the vertebra.

​Removing bone and, when indicated, other tissues that contribute to stenosis can reduce pressure on the spinal canal or affected nerve roots.

A laminectomy may help if lumbar spondylolisthesis comes with spinal stenosis and nerve pressure. But decompression alone is not right for everyone. If removing bone could make the spine less stable, a fusion might also be needed.

Posterior lumbar decompression and fusion (PLDF) relieves pressure on spinal nerves and fuses the affected part of the spine.

​During decompression, the surgeon removes anything pressing on the nerves. For fusion, bone grafts and hardware keep the vertebrae stable and help them heal together.

​PLDF may be used if spondylolisthesis causes instability or if decompression needs extra support. The exact technique depends on your anatomy, which part of the spine is involved, how unstable it is, and where the nerve pressure comes from.

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a type of spinal fusion where the surgeon reaches the disc space from the back through a specific pathway.

In TLIF, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an implant. This helps keep or restore disc height, and bone grafts are added to help the bones fuse. Screws and rods may be used to keep the spine stable while it heals.

​TLIF can help when lumbar spondylolisthesis comes with instability, disc problems, narrowing, or nerve pressure. Studies show TLIF is a proven option for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, but the best fusion method depends on your specific condition.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a surgery where the surgeon reaches the lumbar spine from the side instead of the front or back. Other names for this procedure include DLIF, XLIF, and PTP lateral surgery​

The surgeon removes the damaged disc and places a spacer in its place. Restoring disc height can improve alignment and give nerves more room. Extra support may be added if needed.

A benefit of the side approach is that it can avoid some muscles and tissues that are in the way during back surgeries. LLIF may be an option for certain patients with lumbar degeneration, deformity, or spondylolisthesis, but it is not right for every spinal level or every person.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a surgery where we can reach the lumbar spine from the front. The surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an implant that restores disc height and helps the vertebrae fuse.

The front approach lets the surgeon reach the disc space without disturbing many of the back muscles. It can also allow for a larger implant, which may help restore disc height and alignment in some patients. Screws and rods may be placed from the back for added stability.