Case Studies
Case Study: One-Level Bilateral TLIF
Performed by Peter Derman, MD
Texas Back Institute
Clinical History
The patient was a 57-year-old female who presented with low back and bilateral lower extremity pain in an L5 distribution. Imaging revealed mobile L4-5 degenerative spondylolisthesis with bilateral lateral recess stenosis. EMG/NCS confirmed L5 radiculopathy, and she obtained temporary relief with bilateral L4-5 TFESIs.
Implants Used
Two FlareHawk9 Cages
- 14mm height
- 14mm width
- 25mm length
- 15° of lordosis
Procedure
Using tubular retractors, Dr. Derman performed complete facetectomies and inserted bilateral FlareHawk9 TLIF cages, with insertion profiles of just 9mm x 9mm. Once expanded, each of the two cages was 14mm wide, 25mm long, and had 15° of lordosis – resulting in what Dr. Derman describes as “an ALIF-sized footprint.”
Outcomes
The surgery went smoothly, and the patient awoke with complete resolution of her pre-operative radicular pain. She was up walking soon after surgery, home within 16 hours, and has been doing great since.
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