PROCEDURES
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Later lumbar interbody fusion also known as XLIF or DLIF is the surgical removal of a lumbar disc and subsequent fusion of the intervening vertebra.
The lateral lumbar interbody fusion involves an approach through the flank rather than directly through the abdomen anteriorly or through the back posteriorly.
In selected cases, lateral lumbar interbody fusion can provide excellent decompression for spinal stenosis and correct malalignments in the lumbar spine including scoliosis or spondylolisthesis.
Lumbar fusion surgeries are indicated to treat symptomatic degenerative disc disease typically associated with instability such as spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. It may be done for more than one level of the lumbar spine.
Later lumbar interbody fusion also known as XLIF or DLIF is the surgical removal of a lumbar disc and subsequent fusion of the intervening vertebra.
The lateral lumbar interbody fusion involves an approach through the flank rather than directly through the abdomen anteriorly or through the back posteriorly.
In selected cases, lateral lumbar interbody fusion can provide excellent decompression for spinal stenosis and correct malalignments in the lumbar spine including scoliosis or spondylolisthesis.
Lumbar fusion surgeries are indicated to treat symptomatic degenerative disc disease typically associated with instability such as spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. It may be done for more than one level of the lumbar spine.
- Lateral refers to the approach of the surgery which is through the flank rather than through the back or front.
- This approach provides excellent access to the upper lumbar segments particularly L1-2, L2-3, and L3-4 which are more difficult to access with an anterior approach.
- Access through the flank can provide a much less invasive and less painful access to those lumbar regions at L1-2, L2-3, and L3-4.