Lower back pain, shooting leg pain, and spinal instability can make simple tasks feel impossible. When nerves remain compressed and the lower spine becomes unstable, Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) offers a safe and effective path back to strength, stability, and comfort.
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon in San Diego, specializes in minimally invasive TLIF techniques designed to decompress nerves, restore spinal alignment, and prevent recurring pain.
Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your lumbar spine consultation.
Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure that stabilizes the lower spine by removing a damaged lumbar disc and fusing two vertebrae together.
Unlike other fusion techniques, TLIF uses a posterior, muscle-preserving approach through one side of the spine. This allows Dr. Ghosh to decompress irritated nerves, rebuild disc height, and restore stability in a controlled, minimally invasive manner.
The result: reduced nerve irritation, improved alignment, and long-lasting support for your lower back.
TLIF is most often recommended for:
If you have chronic lower back or leg pain that limits walking, bending, or standing, TLIF may be an effective option.
Patients who benefit from TLIF often experience:
A clear diagnosis helps guide the right treatment plan.
Dr. Ghosh uses a minimally invasive approach whenever appropriate.
General steps include:
The goal is to relieve nerve pressure, stabilize the spine, and prevent future slippage or disc collapse.
Patients often choose TLIF because it offers:
TLIF remains one of the most effective and durable fusion techniques for the lumbar spine.
Dr. Ghosh is known for giving patients clear explanations, conservative-first recommendations, and precise surgical care.
Patients often feel leg pain improve first, followed by gradual relief of lower back pain as healing continues.
Not every patient needs lumbar fusion. Dr. Ghosh may recommend:
TLIF is considered only when symptoms persist and instability is confirmed.
Yes. Dr. Ghosh uses muscle-sparing techniques and small incisions whenever possible.
Many patients return to light work within a few weeks, depending on job type.
Yes. By decompressing the nerve and restoring disc height, TLIF often improves leg pain.
Yes. Fusion stabilizes the slipped vertebra and prevents further movement.
Bone fusion develops over several months and continues strengthening over time.
TLIF enters through one side of the spine, reducing nerve manipulation and lowering complication risk.
Dr. Ghosh cares for patients from Carlsbad, La Jolla, Encinitas, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, University City / UTC, and nearby communities throughout San Diego County. His Mission Valley clinic is convenient and easy to reach.
Many patients who need TLIF also struggle with other lumbar spine conditions. Dr. Ghosh provides expert diagnosis and treatment for:
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal can cause back pain, leg pain, or difficulty walking.
Lumbar Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve)
Nerve irritation from disc collapse, bone spurs, or instability that leads to leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
Herniated Disc (Lower Back)
A damaged lumbar disc pressing on nearby nerves, often causing sharp, shooting pain down the leg.
Spondylolisthesis
A slipped vertebra that creates instability in the lower spine and may require fusion to prevent worsening symptoms.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc wear that leads to chronic back pain, reduced mobility, and occasional nerve irritation.
If lower back pain, sciatica, or instability is affecting your life, TLIF may offer a long-term solution. Dr. Sanjay Ghosh provides advanced lumbar fusion techniques designed to restore stability and relieve nerve pressure.
Call (619) 810-1010 or request your consultation online to see if TLIF is right for you.
Patients who regained strength and independence through precise, compassionate care.
Thank you to a man who comes to this church, who’s one of the great surgeons. He did something that’s pretty much impossible. His name is Sanjay Ghosh. Everybody wants to know who did Donna’s surgery — I’m just going to tell you straight out: it’s him. You do what you want to do with that, but that’s true. And he’s amazing, and we’re so grateful. He was a gift of God to us at this particular time.
For the most of my life, I have trained and presented wildlife in public conservation education programs and the media. My work is often very physically demanding and I have used the Senta Clinic and Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to treat my spinal issues and keep me able to continue my work and manage my pain.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, contact Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment options for you. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.
Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.
Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.
When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.
Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.
When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.
Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery. She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.
Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child. She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.
When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.
Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine. Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.
Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.
Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs. Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants. Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.
When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.
