Micromotion simply means microscopic motion. A fused vertebra would fit a definition of micromotion as even solid bone has a small amount of flex to it. Nonetheless, it is possible to have a solid fusion and micromotion if the fusion mass is very small.
PLIF can theoretically clean out the disc space better than a TLIF as you enter the disc from both sides but there is a downside to that. The PLIF requires nerve root retraction on both sides vs. a TLIF where only one side is needed to be retracted. The opened disc space has a small but not insignificant chance of developing a seroma (a small pool of blood) that irritates the nerve root. In the PLIF, you open both sides of the disc doubling this possibility,
In addition, the retraction of the root also has a small possibility of irritating this root if not performed properly. PLIFs need both roots retracted vs a TLIF where only one side is retracted.
If performed properly, the TLIF has a 90-99% chance of a solid fusion. The PLIF has the same numbers.
Dr. Corenman
PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
