Home → Lumbar fusion surgery in Louisville — minimally invasive, maximum stability.
MIS TLIF · Louisville, KY
Lumbar fusion surgery in Louisville — minimally invasive, maximum stability.
When lumbar instability, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease causes persistent pain that conservative treatments can't resolve, spinal fusion may be the right answer. Dr. Venu Vemuri performs Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (MIS TLIF) — a muscle-sparing approach that produces durable results with significantly less recovery time than traditional open fusion.Procedure Overview
See how MIS TLIF lumbar fusion works.
<>
📹 ViewMedica Video Embed
Paste your ViewMedica embed code in place of this placeholder.
Conditions Treated
When fusion is the right answer.
Lumbar fusion is considered when spinal instability, structural deformity, or degenerative changes cause persistent pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatment. Dr. Vemuri evaluates each case individually — fusion is never the first recommendation.
SpondylolisthesisSlipped vertebra causing instability and nerve compression
Degenerative Disc DiseaseWorn discs causing significant mechanical back pain
Spinal InstabilityAbnormal movement between vertebrae
Recurrent Disc HerniationHerniation with associated instability requiring fusion
Open vs. MIS Fusion
Why the approach matters for your recovery.
Traditional Open Fusion
The old approach.
Large midline incision
Significant muscle stripping
More blood loss
2-4 day hospital stay
More post-operative pain
MIS TLIF at miiSpine
The miiSpine approach.
Small tubular retractor incisions
Muscle preserved, not stripped
Minimal blood loss
Outpatient or 1-night stay
Significantly less pain
Dr. Venu Vemuri, DO
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon · Founder, miiSpine
Dr. Vemuri performs MIS TLIF regularly at miiSpine, including outpatient single-level fusions for appropriately selected patients. He collaborated with ATEC Spine to develop the Invictus MIS pedicle screw system — reducing surgery time and radiation exposure.
Fellowship-Trained, Norton Leatherman Spine Center
Board-Certified, American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery
ATEC Spine — Invictus MIS Pedicle Screw Collaborator
400+ Spine Surgeries Performed
300+ Five-Star Google Reviews
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about lumbar fusion surgery.
What is MIS TLIF?Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Interbody Fusion. The surgeon accesses the spine through small tubes inserted through tiny incisions, removes the disc, places an interbody cage, and secures the vertebrae with percutaneous screws — without cutting through the large back muscles.
How is MIS TLIF different from open lumbar fusion?Traditional open fusion requires a large incision and significant muscle stripping, leading to more pain and longer recovery. MIS TLIF preserves the surrounding musculature, resulting in less blood loss, shorter hospital stay or same-day discharge, and faster functional recovery.
Is lumbar fusion outpatient surgery?Single-level MIS TLIF is outpatient-eligible for appropriately selected patients. Dr. Vemuri performs same-day discharge lumbar fusions regularly at miiSpine in Louisville, KY.
How long is recovery from lumbar fusion?Return to light activity typically occurs within 4-6 weeks. Return to more demanding physical activity at 3-6 months, confirmed by imaging showing solid fusion. Full recovery varies by patient and activity level.
What conditions are treated with lumbar fusion?Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra), recurrent disc herniation with instability, degenerative disc disease causing significant mechanical pain, and spinal stenosis with instability.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Vemuri?No referral is required. Call miiSpine at (502) 242-6370 to schedule a consultation. Most patients are seen within days.
Back pain that won't go away?
Call miiSpine to find out if lumbar fusion is right for your situation. Dr. Vemuri gives you a straight answer — and surgery is never the first recommendation.
6420 Dutchmans Pkwy, Suite 160, Louisville, KY 40205 · miispine.com