[jaxzon]

#9091

Hey there, I’m going in for an operation and my surgeon sent me a letter saying whats happening, this is what it read

This letter is to confirm that arrangements have been made for your operation being L5/S1 posterior decompression and PLIF with matrix instrumentation, Plivios cages, alograft chips and DBX

What does L5/S1 posterior decompression and PLIF with matrix instrumentation plivios cages alograft chips and DBX all mean?

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#9092

A posterior decompression could be something as simple as a small opening in the lamina to access the back of the canal and decompress a nerve root to a full laminectomy with removal of the entire back of the canal.

PLIF is a posterior lumbar interbody fusion. This is a procedure to remove most of the disc and place a spacer (or cage) in the back of the canal. The PLIF procedure usually involved placing one spacer on each side but a one-sided PLIF could still be considered. This procedure is somewhat similar to the TLIF which you can read about on this website.

Matrix instrumentation is a set of rods and screws made by Synthes that is used to stabilize the spine while the fusion is occurring.

Plivios cages are the spacers used to hold the disc space open while the fusion is taking place.

The bone graft sources this surgeon is choosing are allograft chips (cadaver bone) and DBX which is a demineralized bone matrix that contains proteins that reportedly help to induce fusion bone growth.

Dr. Corenman

[jaxzon]

#9099

Thank you very muh for this :) also after the surgery, will I be able to carry on with hiking and biking? thank you heaps

[Donald Corenman, MD, DC]

#9101

If things go as expected and you have no degenerative changes above, you should have no restrictions.

Dr. Corenman

[jaxzon]

#9104

Thank you so much! you have taken so much weight of my shoulders. i really, really appreciate all your help. hope you had a really nice weekend. take care, and tank you again it is very much appreciated

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