For patients in whom a spinal fusion is indicated, the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) may be recommended to restore stability to the affected spinal segment1. Pioneered by a Dr.Cloward in the 1940s to treat painful intervertebral discs damaged by degeneration, PLIF involves removal of the entire nuclear portion of the disc and subsequent replacement with multiple blocks of transplanted bone. The purpose of the fusion is to eliminate or reduce the amount of the motion at the affected site, and, therefore, the source of pain.