TLIF is a unilateral approach for interbody fusion to restore normal intervertebral space height and lumbar spine physiological lordosis. It is characterized by a posterior approach, entering the spinal canal from one side. This method reduces cerebrospinal fluid leakage, minimizes nerve root stretching, and preserves contralateral structures, allowing for feasible 360° fusion while reconstructing the posterior tension band.

PLIF (posterior lumbar interbody fusion) is a surgical technique for fusing lumbar vertebrae by removing the intervertebral disc and replacing it with a PEEK or titanium cage. The vertebrae are stabilized by an internal fixator. This operation is performed from the posterior side of the back.

Indications include discogenic/facetogenic low back pain, neurogenic claudication, radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis, and lumbar degenerative spinal deformities such as symptomatic spondylolisthesis and degenerative scoliosis.