The medical field is constantly evolving with new improvements to established treatments. Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is an innovative approach to spinal fusion that reduces surgical trauma, allowing for reduced pain and a faster recovery. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a state-of-the-art pain center near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Here, we explain this cutting-edge treatment and how side-door access provides better benefits for patients.
Key Takeaways
- XLIF is a method of spinal fusion that approaches from the side. This approach allows surgeons to avoid cutting through muscles, ligaments, and bone.
- XLIF can be used to treat herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and more.
- XLIF surgery provides the long-lasting relief of spinal fusion with reduced post-surgical pain, less scarring, and a faster recovery.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Fusion?
Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical treatment for a variety of lumbar (lower back) conditions. The procedure uses medical hardware and bone grafts to fuse two or more vertebrae into a single strong bone. This eliminates movement between vertebrae. While fusion does reduce lower back mobility, it allows the spine to support weight without stress, friction, or nerve pinching. This makes it an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including:
- Lumbar herniated disc
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Lumbar degenerative joint disease
- Lumbar spondylosis
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Lumbar myelopathy
- Lumbar radiculopathy
While effective at relieving pain, traditional lumbar spinal fusion can be physically challenging. It is a major procedure that causes significant surgical trauma, requiring patients to go through a lengthy recovery before enjoying the benefits of their treatment.
What Is XLIF?
Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is a cutting-edge approach to lumbar spinal fusion. Rather than accessing the spine from the patient’s back, XLIF takes a lateral or side approach. This angle allows the surgeon to operate without cutting through major back muscles, ligaments, and bone. The result is significantly reduced surgical trauma for the following benefits:
- Less bleeding
- Less post-operative pain
- Less scarring
- Less risk of complications
- Faster recovery
The lateral approach requires operating near several important nerves. As a result, XLIF is a complex procedure that requires a specially trained surgeon. When performed by a skilled specialist, however, it provides all the benefits of lumbar spinal fusion but with an easier recovery. At NU-Spine, these surgeries are performed by outstanding neurosurgeons Dr. Branko Skovrlj and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock.
How Does Side-Door Access Work?
Traditional spinal fusion surgery is performed from the back (posterior). At this angle, the spine is difficult to access. Several major muscles connect to and cover the lumbar spine. There is also the lamina, a large piece at the rear of each vertebra that provides protection and support for the spinal cord. Surgeons must cut through muscle and remove pieces of bone to access the spinal disc.
XLIF helps surgeons avoid all of this. Instead of cutting through the muscles, surgeons can gently push them aside to create a pathway to the spine. Without the lamina in the way, the spinal disc is also more exposed. Surgeons can remove the disc, insert bone graft material, and install hardware, all without removing any existing bone.
XLIF Step-By-Step
XLIF surgery is performed under anesthesia, which keeps the patient asleep during the procedure. The patient is placed on their side on the operating table. Then, the NU-Spine surgeon performs these steps:
- The surgeon makes a three-quarter centimeter incision on the patient’s side.
- He inserts a probe attached to an electromyography (EMG) sensor through the incision and pushes it through to the spine. The EMG sensor lets the surgeon avoid nearby nerves.
- Using a series of dilators and a retractor, the surgeon gently widens the opening and pushes the muscles aside to create a safe pathway to the spine.
- The surgeon uses precise tools to remove the spinal disc.
- He inserts a spacer into the opening to maintain spinal height. The spacer is filled with bone graft material, which promotes new bone growth.
- He removes the tools and retractor and closes the incision with stitches.
The whole procedure takes about one hour to complete. Most patients spend the night at the hospital and are discharged the next day. Patients can walk around right away but should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks while their body heals.
Find XLIF Surgery Near You at NU-Spine
Don’t wait to find relief for lower back pain. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We offer the cutting edge in minimally invasive neck and spine treatments at state-of-the-art pain centers near you in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania. To learn more about XLIF extreme lateral interbody fusion and other advanced treatments we provide, contact us today.
FAQ About XLIF Spine Fusion
How long is the hospital stay after XLIF?
Most patients only stay at the hospital for one day before getting discharged.
How long is the recovery after XLIF?
Most patients can resume light activities within one to two weeks and can return to desk jobs within four to six weeks. The surgeon and a physical therapist will guide the patient through a gradual return to strenuous activities over three to six months.
How does NU-Spine decide if XLIF is right for me?
NU-Spine uses medical imaging and a thorough diagnostic process to determine whether XLIF is right for you.
Who performs spine surgeries at NU-Spine?
At NU-Spine, surgeries are performed by outstanding neurosurgeons, Dr. Branko Skovrlj and Dr. Robert J. Rothrock.