MAS TLIF in Northern Kentucky

A minimally invasive lumbar fusion technique that uses smaller incisions, dilates muscles instead of cutting them, and offers outpatient capability for the right candidates. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri leads Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky’s lumbar fusion program, combining decades of experience with fellowship-trained expertise from Southern California Orthopaedic Institute.

Medically reviewed by Jaideep Chunduri, MD — August 2026.

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Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion — Big Procedure, Small Incision

If you've been suffering with chronic back pain, leg pain, or weakness from lumbar spondylolisthesis, severe disc degeneration, or lumbar instability — and conservative care hasn't worked — lumbar fusion may be the right next step.

At Aptiva Health in Lexington, we perform lumbar fusion using MAS TLIF — Minimal Access Surgery Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Instead of the four-to-six-inch incision and muscle-cutting approach used in traditional open lumbar fusion, MAS TLIF uses small incisions and specialized retractors that gently dilate the back muscles rather than cutting them.

The result for the patient: smaller scars, less blood loss, less post-operative pain, a shorter hospital stay (often outpatient for appropriately selected patients), and a faster return to active life. The result for the spine: the same proven, durable fusion that has been the gold standard for severe lumbar conditions for decades.

For patients with nerve compression from a single herniated disc — without instability — a microdiscectomy is often the better answer. For patients with structural instability, severe degeneration, or spondylolisthesis, MAS TLIF is the right tool. We'll help you understand which procedure fits your anatomy.

Conditions We Treat With MAS TLIF

MAS TLIF is the minimally invasive solution for structural lumbar conditions that require fusion. It is most commonly used for:

• Lumbar spondylolisthesis — when one vertebra slips forward on the one below it, causing instability, back pain, and often radiculopathy (degenerative or isthmic)

• Lumbar spinal stenosis with instability — narrowing of the spinal canal combined with abnormal vertebral motion

• Severe lumbar degenerative disc disease with mechanical back pain

• Recurrent disc herniation — when a herniated disc returns after a prior microdiscectomy

• Lumbar instability — abnormal motion between vertebrae, often after prior surgery or injury

• Failed back surgery syndrome with a clear mechanical cause on imaging

• Pseudarthrosis — revision MAS TLIF for failed prior lumbar fusion

Not sure if your back pain is a fusion issue? Compare options on our Microdiscectomy Lexington and Spine Surgery Lexington pages, or get evaluated by an Aptiva spine provider.

MAS TLIF vs. Traditional Open Lumbar Fusion — What's the Difference?

The goal of both procedures is the same: fuse two vertebrae together to relieve nerve compression and stabilize the spine. The difference is how the surgeon gets there.

Traditional Open Lumbar Fusion

• Single midline incision, typically four to six inches or longer

• Back muscles are cut and retracted away from the bone

• More blood loss

• More post-operative pain from muscle disruption

• Typical hospital stay of two to four days

• Recovery often delayed by post-operative muscle pain

MAS TLIF (Minimal Access Surgery TLIF)

• One to two small incisions, typically one inch or less per side

• Tubular retractors dilate the back muscles rather than cutting them

• Less blood loss

• Less post-operative pain

• Outpatient or single-night stay possible for appropriately selected patients

• Faster recovery and return to work

• Same proven, durable fusion result as traditional open fusion

The long-term fusion outcome is comparable between techniques when MAS TLIF is performed by an experienced fellowship-trained spine surgeon. What changes is the patient's experience getting there — and how quickly they get back to active life.

What to Expect From MAS TLIF Surgery

Before Surgery

• Lumbar MRI (and often CT) at Aptiva Health Imaging to confirm the affected level and identify nerve compression

• Bone density assessment if osteoporosis is a concern

• Medical clearance and pre-operative consultation with your Aptiva spine provider

• Review of alignment, instability, and the levels involved

• Fasting instructions per anesthesia protocol

• Arrange a ride home — you cannot drive yourself the day of surgery

Day of Surgery

• Arrive 1-2 hours before surgery start time

• General anesthesia administered

• One or two small incisions (typically one inch or less per side) made in the back

• Tubular retractors dilate the back muscles

• Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, surgeon enters the disc space from the side (transforaminal approach)

• Damaged disc removed; nerve carefully decompressed

• Interbody cage packed with bone graft placed in the disc space to restore height and alignment

• Pedicle screws and rods placed through small incisions for stability

• Single-level procedure typically takes 2-4 hours; multi-level proportionally longer

• 2-3 hours in recovery, then discharge home the same day or overnight observation depending on the patient

After Surgery

• Walking encouraged within hours of surgery

• Pain medication tapered quickly as discomfort subsides

• Most patients report relief of leg pain almost immediately

• Back pain improves gradually as inflammation resolves and fusion progresses

• Desk work: typically 2-4 weeks

• Driving: typically 2-4 weeks (off narcotic pain medication)

• Light exercise: 4-6 weeks

• Physical labor and high-impact activity: 3-6 months

• Bony fusion completes over 6-12 months

• Post-operative follow-up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months

• X-rays at follow-up visits confirm fusion progress

Why Choose Aptiva Health for Your MAS TLIF

Minimally invasive technique, not traditional open fusion. Aptiva performs lumbar fusion using the MAS TLIF technique — smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, less blood loss, and faster recovery than traditional open lumbar fusion. Patients recover at home, not in a multi-day hospital stay.

A surgeon with over 20 years experience. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Aptiva Health and one of the most experienced spine surgeons in the tri-state region. He is the former Director of Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at TriHealth in Cincinnati, a founding orthopedic spine surgeon at Beacon Orthopedics, and SCOI fellowship-trained. He sees patients in Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis (beginning May 21, 2026), and the Greater Cincinnati region.

A dedicated spine team. Spine surgery isn't a side specialty at Aptiva — it's a focus. Our Northern Kentucky team includes board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeons, an interventional pain physician, and dedicated PAs and an NP who care for spine patients every day.

Honest guidance — fusion is a big procedure. MAS TLIF is the right answer for some patients and the wrong answer for others. We don't recommend fusion unless conservative care has been exhausted, imaging shows a clear structural cause, and the patient is a good candidate. Our interventional pain specialist, Dr. Steven Ganzel, performs epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation — non-surgical options that provide lasting relief for many patients and may avoid the need for surgery entirely.

Multiple lumbar surgical options. For patients with a single herniated disc and no instability, lumbar microdiscectomy is often the better choice. We evaluate every patient individually to recommend the right procedure — not the biggest one.

Fast access. Stop waiting weeks for an answer. Most patients see an Aptiva spine provider within days of calling.

One team, start to finish. From your first call to your final post-op visit, you'll work with the same Aptiva team. We handle insurance verification, scheduling, and post-op care in-house.

Cash-pay options available. For patients without insurance — or with high deductibles — we offer transparent, all-inclusive cash-pay pricing for MAS TLIF that includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implants, and post-operative visits. No surprise hospital bills.

Schedule your appointment today!

Your Northern Kentucky Spine Care Team

At Aptiva Health, your spine care is delivered by a team of board-certified surgeons and advanced practice providers who focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine — including herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and degenerative spine conditions.

Insurances Accepted

Aptiva Health accepts most major insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto insurance (PIP and Medpay). We verify benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before surgery.

MAS TLIF is a well-established procedure covered by Medicare and most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary. One-level and two-level lumbar fusion are both routinely covered when imaging and clinical criteria are met.

For patients paying out of pocket, we offer transparent, bundled cash-pay pricing for MAS TLIF that includes the surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implants (interbody cage, pedicle screws, rods), and post-operative visits — no surprise itemized hospital bills.

Call 859-592-1008 to verify your insurance or request a cash-pay quote.

Ready for Relief From Chronic Back Pain?

If you've been suffering with chronic back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness — and conservative care hasn't worked — it's time to talk to Aptiva's spine team about whether MAS TLIF is right for you.

Schedule a Consultation in Northern Kentucky — Schedule Now

Aptiva Health – Northern Kentucky: 2093 Medical Arts Drive, Hebron, KY 41048

📞 859-592-1008

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Drive times:

• 5 minutes from CVG (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport)

• 10 minutes from Florence, KY via I-71/75

• 12 minutes from Burlington and Union via KY-237

• 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati via I-275 East

• 18 minutes from Covington and Newport

• 20 minutes from Anderson Township and Mt. Washington (OH)

• 25 minutes from Price Hill, Westwood, and Delhi Township

• 30 minutes from Florence Mall and the Boone County line south

Communities we routinely serve: Hebron, Florence, Burlington, Union, Walton, Erlanger, Edgewood, Crestview Hills, Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, Independence, Covington, Newport, Fort Thomas, Cold Spring, Alexandria, Highland Heights, and across the river in Cincinnati, Anderson Township, Delhi Township, Cheviot, Price Hill, and Westwood.

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Walk-in injury care availability may vary; call ahead to confirm.

Insurance accepted: Most major medical insurance, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, most Kentucky Medicaid plans, workers' compensation, auto injury coverage (PIP and MedPay), and cash-pay.

MAS TLIF: Frequently Asked Questions

What is MAS TLIF (minimally invasive lumbar fusion)?

MAS TLIF stands for Minimal Access Surgery Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. It is a minimally invasive approach to lumbar spinal fusion used to stabilize certain conditions affecting the lower back. Through small incisions, the surgeon accesses the spine using specialized instruments designed to reduce disruption to surrounding muscles. The damaged disc is removed when appropriate, compressed nerves can be decompressed, and an interbody implant with bone graft is placed to support fusion. Screws and rods may also be used to provide stability while the spine heals.

Compared with a traditional open lumbar fusion, a minimally invasive approach may offer smaller incisions and less disruption to surrounding tissues for appropriately selected patients. Jaideep Chunduri, MD evaluates each patient individually to determine which surgical approach is most appropriate.

How is MAS TLIF different from traditional open lumbar fusion?

Both procedures are designed to stabilize the spine by fusing selected vertebrae together. The primary difference is how the surgeon accesses the spine.

Traditional open fusion generally requires a larger incision and more exposure of the muscles surrounding the spine. MAS TLIF uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to reach the surgical area with less disruption to surrounding tissue. For appropriate patients, this minimally invasive approach may support a more streamlined early recovery. The best technique depends on the patient's diagnosis, anatomy, previous treatment, and overall health.

Is MAS TLIF an outpatient procedure in Northern Kentucky?

MAS TLIF may be performed on an outpatient or short-stay basis for appropriately selected patients. Whether a patient can return home the same day or needs overnight observation depends on factors such as the number of spinal levels treated, overall health, the complexity of the procedure, and recovery after surgery.

Your Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky spine team will explain what to expect based on your individual surgical plan.

What conditions does MAS TLIF treat?

MAS TLIF may be considered for structural lumbar spine conditions that require both nerve decompression and stabilization. These can include lumbar spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis associated with instability, degenerative disc disease, recurrent disc herniation, and certain forms of lumbar instability.

Not every patient with back or leg pain needs a spinal fusion. Dr. Jaideep Chunduri reviews your symptoms, examination, imaging, and previous treatment before recommending surgery.

Am I a candidate for MAS TLIF?

MAS TLIF may be considered when a structural problem in the lumbar spine is causing persistent back pain, leg pain, nerve symptoms, or instability and non-surgical treatment has not provided adequate improvement.

Conservative treatment may include physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and procedures such as epidural steroid injections. During your consultation, Dr. Jaideep Chunduri will review your imaging and treatment history to determine whether MAS TLIF, another surgical procedure, or continued non-surgical care may be appropriate.

Some patients may be candidates for a less extensive procedure such as microdiscectomy, while others may benefit from interventional pain management or rehabilitation.

How long does MAS TLIF surgery take?

The length of MAS TLIF surgery varies depending on the number of spinal levels being treated, the patient's anatomy, whether nerve decompression is needed, and the complexity of the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the anticipated surgical time and recovery process with you before surgery.

How long is recovery after MAS TLIF?

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Your post-operative plan typically includes gradually increasing walking and daily activity while following your surgeon's restrictions. Returning to work, exercise, lifting, and higher-impact activities depends on the procedure performed, your occupation, your progress in rehabilitation, and evidence of healing.

Because spinal fusion takes time, your care team may use follow-up imaging to monitor the healing process. Your Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky spine team will provide individualized guidance throughout recovery.

Will I lose flexibility in my lower back after MAS TLIF?

A spinal fusion permanently limits movement at the specific spinal level being fused. How much difference a patient notices in overall lower-back movement depends on the number and location of levels treated, existing stiffness, and other individual factors.

Dr. Chunduri can explain how the proposed fusion may affect your mobility based on your specific surgical plan.

What results can I expect from MAS TLIF?

The goal of MAS TLIF is to stabilize the affected area of the spine and, when needed, relieve pressure on spinal nerves. Outcomes vary based on the condition being treated, the severity and duration of symptoms, overall health, and other individual factors.

During your consultation, Dr. Chunduri will discuss the expected benefits, limitations, potential risks, and alternatives based on your diagnosis rather than relying on a single generalized success rate.

Will my insurance cover MAS TLIF?

Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan, benefits, medical necessity, and authorization requirements. Aptiva Health works with many commercial insurance plans as well as Medicare, Medicaid Managed Care, workers' compensation, and auto-injury coverage.

The Aptiva Health team can help verify your benefits and discuss anticipated coverage before treatment. Patients should confirm individual benefits because coverage varies by plan.

Who performs MAS TLIF at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky?

MAS TLIF and other spine procedures at Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky are led by Jaideep Chunduri, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon providing surgical evaluation and treatment for conditions of the cervical and lumbar spine.

Patients also have access to a coordinated spine-care team that includes non-surgical treatment, interventional pain management, imaging, and rehabilitation. Steven Ganzel, DO provides Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and interventional spine care, including procedures such as epidural steroid injections, facet interventions, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. This team-based approach helps patients explore appropriate non-surgical and surgical options based on their individual condition.

Should I try non-surgical options before considering MAS TLIF?

In many cases, yes. Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky emphasizes conservative treatment before spinal fusion when it is appropriate for the patient's condition. Non-surgical options may include physical therapy, medication, activity modification, and interventional procedures such as epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and radiofrequency ablation.

Dr. Steven Ganzel provides non-operative spine and interventional pain care as part of the Aptiva Health spine team. If conservative treatments do not provide adequate improvement and imaging identifies a condition that may benefit from stabilization, Dr. Jaideep Chunduri can determine whether MAS TLIF or another surgical option should be considered.

Where can I see a spine specialist in Northern Kentucky?

Aptiva Health Northern Kentucky provides spine care in Hebron, Kentucky, serving patients throughout Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area. Patients can access surgical spine evaluations along with imaging, physical therapy, and interventional pain management through the Aptiva Health network.

Questions? Call us today! 859-592-1008