TLIF has been recommended with pedicle screws & bolts

[RJisBack]

Hi,
New to the forum. I've beento a few surgeons here in Northern New Jersey. One feels very certain I am a perfect candidate for TLIF and the insertion of screws & bolts. I've been trying to read about others' experiences...but wondering do the screws/bolts cause any additional issues? is this a better approach than a brace, which it seems some people have?
Just very nervous in general!

[Justin]

Hi,
New to the forum. I've beento a few surgeons here in Northern New Jersey. One feels very certain I am a perfect candidate for TLIF and the insertion of screws & bolts. I've been trying to read about others' experiences...but wondering do the screws/bolts cause any additional issues? is this a better approach than a brace, which it seems some people have?
Just very nervous in general!

Hi RJisBack,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society.

The hardware associated with spinal fusion can lead to more problems in the future. However, this is typically not the case with proper placement.

In terms of spinal fusion vs. a brace: spinal fusion is an invasive approach to help correct what is wrong with your spine and the procedure actually fuses your vertebra (the bones in your spinal column) together; whereas, a brace is used to help support the spine for short durations. Bracing is frequently used to help patients with scoliosis, or curvature of the spine, and in those cases, can be worn for much longer time periods.