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XLIF

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XLIF Surgery in New Jersey

Back pain can be life-altering. If you are struggling with a back condition, don’t let it keep you from the activities you love. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers XLIF surgery and other advanced procedures to help our New Jersey patients return to their active lifestyles. Our world-renowned neurosurgeon’s mastery of complex procedures and minimally invasive spine surgery techniques can help you enjoy a pain-free life.

What Is XLIF Surgery?

XLIF, or X-LIF, is an acronym for Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion. This is a minimally invasive variation of spinal fusion, a surgery that treats many forms of back pain. Spinal fusion works by fastening two or more vertebrae together using a combination of implants and bone grafts. As the graft heals, it joins the vertebrae into a single long bone. This restricts movement and stops degeneration for long-lasting pain relief.

What sets XLIF apart is its approach. XLIF is performed laterally, or from the side of the back, where the surgeon won’t need to cut through muscle. This also makes it easier to avoid aggravating nerves. XLIF causes less damage and less post-operative pain than standard spinal fusion or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery and allows for a faster recovery.

What Does XLIF Surgery Treat?

XLIF surgery is effective at the cost of flexibility, so it’s not usually the first treatment recommended. Most early approaches use non-invasive treatments such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, pain medications, or steroid injections. Sometimes, the pain may not respond to conservative treatments. Other surgeries may even fail to provide the relief patients seek. In these cases, XLIF surgery may become necessary. At NU-Spine, XLIF is used to treat a wide variety of conditions:

Treatments at NU-Spine begin with an advanced diagnosis process. Our neurosurgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and take a closer look using imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs. This comprehensive overview lets him deliver the most accurate diagnosis possible. He will use this diagnosis to identify the most effective procedures for treating your pain.

Who Performs XLIF Surgery at NU-Spine?

XLIF is an advanced technique that requires skill and experience to perform properly. All surgical procedures at NU-Spine are performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD. He is one of the only neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus exclusively on the spine. His specialty is in complex and minimally invasive spine surgeries like XLIF, and he has mastered these techniques.

Dr. Skovrlj is world-renowned for his research into spine surgery. He has won several awards for his work, and he presents at prestigious conferences around the globe. Despite his fame, however, Dr. Skovrlj holds onto his small-town values. He takes the time to get to know each patient. By building a rapport, he makes it easy for patients to trust his expertise.

How XLIF Surgery Is Performed

Before the procedure, Dr. Skovrlj will tell you how to prepare. You may need to stop eating or drinking for several hours before surgery, and he may also ask you to stop certain medications. This is to reduce the risk of complications. XLIF surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which keeps you asleep through all steps of the process:

  • Skovrlj begins by removing a small amount of material from your hip to use in the bone graft.
  • He makes an incision on your side. The incision is only three-quarters of a centimeter long.
  • Precision tools are inserted into the incision.
  • Using constant computer feedback, Dr. Skovrlj removes bone and vertebral disc material.
  • He inserts a spacer into the opening he created. The spacer is a porous box filled with bone graft material.
  • Pedicle screws are inserted above and below the spacer for stability.
  • The incision is closed and bandaged.

Afterward, we will monitor you until you are fully awake. Most patients can return home the same day as their surgery. Others may need to stay in the hospital for one or more days. Once you go home, Dr. Skovrlj will provide instructions for recovery. These may include activity restrictions, painkiller medications, and physical therapy.

Treat Your Back Pain at NU-Spine

If you are struggling with back pain that won’t respond to treatment, XLIF surgery may help. Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with the spine experts at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, or Hainesport, NJ.

Start Your Path to Relief: Contact Us Today!
Spine Center Locations

1. Paramus
37 W Century Road Suite 105A
Paramus, NJ 07652

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3. Woodbridge
655 Amboy Avenue, Suite C-301
Woodbridge, NJ 07095

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5. Toms River
1901 Hooper Ave. #B
Toms River, NJ 08753

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7. Hainesport
300 Creek Crossing Blvd,
Suite 307 Hainesport, NJ 08036

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2. Jersey City
631 Grand Street, Suite 2-100
Jersey City, NJ 07304

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4. Holmdel/Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Rd.
Suite 1116-B
Holmdel, NJ 07733

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6. Freehold
1000 West Main Street
Suite 201
Freehold, NJ 07728

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