Learn about Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) is a major neurosurgical procedure designed to treat debilitating spinal conditions by permanently fusing two or more vertebrae in the lower back. The neurosurgeon accesses the spine from the back (posterior approach), removes the damaged intervertebral disc, and inserts a bone graft or a specialized cage packed with bone material into the disc space. This is combined with the placement of metal screws and rods to stabilize the spine from behind. The goal is to eliminate painful motion, decompress pinched nerves, and restore spinal alignment, ultimately providing long-term stability and pain relief. PLIF is a well-established technique for addressing complex spinal instability and severe nerve compression.

Key Highlights

    Provides direct decompression of spinal nerves to relieve leg pain (sciatica).Offers excellent spinal stability and high fusion success rates.Restores disc height and corrects spinal alignment.Addresses the root cause of pain by eliminating motion at the affected segment.Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques to reduce muscle damage.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra) causing instability or nerve compression.
  • Severe degenerative disc disease with chronic low back pain unresponsive to conservative care.
  • Recurrent lumbar disc herniation.
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) requiring decompression and stabilization.
  • Certain spinal fractures or deformities, such as scoliosis.
  • Failed previous back surgery (post-laminectomy syndrome) with instability.

How to prepare

  • Complete pre-operative medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT scan).
  • Discontinue certain medications like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin) as advised by the surgeon.
  • Maintain good nutrition and cease smoking, as it significantly hinders bone healing.
  • Arrange for post-operative support at home for assistance during initial recovery.
  • Follow fasting instructions (typically nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery).
  • Discuss anesthesia options and any allergies with the anesthesiologist.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reaction to anesthesia.
  • Nerve injury, which could lead to weakness, numbness, pain, or, rarely, paralysis.
  • Dural tear (cerebrospinal fluid leak).
  • Hardware complications (screw or rod breakage, malposition).
  • Pseudarthrosis (failure of the bones to fuse).
  • Adjacent segment disease (increased stress on vertebrae above or below the fusion).
  • Persistent pain or the need for additional surgery.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Hospital stay typically involves 3-5 days for pain management, monitoring, and initial physical therapy.
  • Patients are encouraged to walk with assistance soon after surgery to promote healing.
  • A back brace may be prescribed for several weeks to limit motion and support the spine.
  • Activities are restricted: no bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects (more than 5-10 lbs) for 6-12 weeks.
  • Gradual return to normal activities over 3-6 months, guided by a structured physical therapy program.
  • Complete bone fusion and maximum benefit can take 6 months to a year or more.
  • Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing with X-rays.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-5 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-6 months for basic activities; 12+ months for full fusion

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering posterior lumbar interbody fusion in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for posterior lumbar interbody fusion compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,807 – USD 8,701 3-5 days ~ 3-6 months for basic activities; 12+ months for full fusion Know More
Turkey USD 28,184 – USD 64,420 3-5 days ~ 3-6 months for basic activities; 12+ months for full fusion Know More

Top hospitals for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Cytecare Hospital

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon48 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon30 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon129 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

  • IconBhubaneshwar, India
  • Icon55 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Dhakuria

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon200 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad

  • IconGhaziabad, India
  • Icon43 Doctors

SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon71 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Mukundapur

  • IconKolkata, India
  • Icon145 Doctors

Medanta The Medicity

  • IconGurgaon, India
  • Icon900 Doctors

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors

Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

  • IconHyderabad, India
  • Icon67 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

At my age, you worry about...

At my age, you worry about being a bother. Dr. Narayanamurthy never made me feel that way. He explained my medication changes slowly, and his manner was very calming. The clinic at MGM was busy, but he took his time.

Neurosurgeons for Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform posterior lumbar interbody fusion and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Dibanath Chakraborthy
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kiran S Khanapure
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nandish H S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sharan Srinivasan
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Veekshith Shetty
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pravin Tukaram Survashe
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sunil Bundel
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ninad Patil
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kr Suresh Bapu
  • 42 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijaysankaran
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishwaraj Ratha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. R Sunil Kapilavayi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Digant Kamdar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anurup Saha
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Siliguri

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manish Ganesh Pai
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Robin H Gupta
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amit Jaiswal
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sreedhar Vuyyuru
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital Vijayawada

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Deepak Kumar Parida
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Neurosurgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
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