What is a XLIF procedure?

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is a minimally invasive procedure performed through the side of the body to treat spinal disorders and reduce long-term back or leg pain that has not responded to other treatments, such as steroid injections, physical therapy and pain medication.

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How successful is XLIF surgery?

XLIF can be a very effective form of lumbar fusion, with an 85% success rate. But 15% of patients may suffer from pain after spinal surgery – either the same pain they struggled with before surgery, or a new type of pain. If the patient has severe or chronic pain after surgery, they may be struggling with failed XLIF.

How long is recovery from XLIF?

Six Weeks After Surgery The majority of patients will return to work one to two weeks after the procedure, but patients that work physically demanding and labor type jobs should take more time away from work. At six weeks, all patients are able to return to work.

How long does XLIF surgery take?

Reduced operative time – Traditional procedures can take many hours to perform, the while XLIF procedure can be successfully completed in as little as one hour, reducing the amount of anesthesia time.

Is XLIF safe?

Nevertheless, XLIF/MIS XLIF pose significant additional risks and complications that include; multiple nerve injuries (e.g. lumbar plexus, ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and subcostals (to the anterior abdominal muscles: abdominal oblique), and sympathectomy), major vascular …

Is XLIF surgery safe?

Lateral access spine surgery is a safe and reproducible means of addressing certain spine disorders with an approach from the side of the patient, as opposed to an approach from the back or the front. A lateral approach is made safe with the use of nerve monitoring technology.

What are the limitations after spinal fusion?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

What is XLIF and how is it different from other procedures?

XLIF differs from traditional procedures because the surgeon accesses the space between each spinal disc from the patient’s side, rather than from the front or back, sparing major back muscles, bones and ligaments. Advantages of XLIF include:

How long does the XLIF procedure take?

A single-level XLIF procedure takes approximately one hour to perform. The XLIF procedure can be used for a variety of lumbar spinal disorders that may be treated with spinal fusion. These conditions may include:

What is eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF)?

What are the steps involved in XLIF spinal fusion?

There are a series of steps performed to complete an XLIF spinal fusion: 1 First, the patient will be positioned lying on his or her side. 2 Once the disc is located, the surgeon will mark the skin with a marker directly above the disc. 3 Then the surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the flank (low back region of the trunk)…