## Introduction
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) has become the preferred approach for many surgeons due to its ability to treat the disc space through a single posterior incision while sparing the spinal canal. The key to success in TLIF is the **Anatomically Designed Interbody Spacer**.
## The Evolution of the “Banana” Cage
In a TLIF approach, the spacer must be inserted from a side angle and then moved into the center of the disc space.
* **Curved Geometry:** Ortholyx TLIF spacers feature a “crescent” or “banana” shape. This allows the cage to be rotated into the anterior-most portion of the disc space, providing maximum support for lumbar lordosis.
* **Biconvex Surfaces:** The top and bottom of the cage are curved to match the natural “cupped” shape of the vertebral endplates.
## Enhancing Primary Stability
* **Toothed Surface:** Aggressive ridges on the cage prevent migration or “spitting out” of the implant before fusion occurs.
* **Large Packing Window:** A central void allows for a significant volume of bone graft material, creating a robust “bone bridge” between vertebrae.
## Advanced Material Options
At Ortholyx, we offer TLIF spacers in:
1. **PEEK-OPTIMA鈩?** For its proven radiolucency and bone-like modulus.
2. **3D Porous Titanium:** For surgeons who prioritize rapid osseointegration and biological bonding.
## Conclusion
TLIF is a powerful technique for restoring spinal health. Using Ortholyx’s anatomically optimized spacers ensures that surgeons can achieve maximum stability and lordotic correction with minimal neural retraction.