If you are to undergo a fusion of your lumbar spine where two incisions are made, one through your tummy and one through your back, you are likely to be having what we call a 360 fusion. We do not currently have a working booklet for this procedure however for your education a faioly accurate overview can be had simply by reading both the TLIF/PLIF booklet along side the ALIF booklet. Alternatively more indepth information and links regarding these procedures can be found on their dedicated pages that can be found by selecting one of the following links:

TLIF/PLIF Webpage                                          ALIF Webpage 

                               

The 360 degree fusion uses the same method of fixation at the back as the TLIF/PLIF, that is the screws and rods. The main difference is that instead of inserting the cage from the back, a second approach is then taken through your tummy as is done in the ALIF type surgery. This allows much better access to the disc space where the cage sits and because of this easier access, allows different types of cages to be used.

A specific 360 fusion webpage is on its way so please bear with us.