What is XLIF® (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion)?
The XLIF® procedure for lumbar fusion was developed to overcome the obstacles of both anterior (front) and posterior (back) approaches, and to access the spine for interbody fusion as minimally disruptively as possible.
XLIF® Technique
The XLIF® approach is an option for lumbar fusion surgery candidates interested in quicker recovery and rapid return to normal activity. With the XLIF® procedure, the spine is approached from the side of the body, through two small incisions, avoiding sensitive back muscles, bones, ligaments, and minimizing risk of serious neural and/or vascular damage. The result of this minimally invasive approach is less surgical blood loss and reduced postoperative pain. In general, the XLIF® surgery results in quick recovery and return to normal activity.
Detailed XLIF® Surgical Technique
The surgery is performed with the patient positioned on the side. An X-ray is taken of the spine to show the location of the operative disc space. The skin is marked at this location to indicate the site of the side incision.
A separate, small incision is first made toward the back. The surgeon uses his finger through this incision to feel the space in the side through which the instruments will pass. The finger will also guide tubular dilators into safe position.
As the tubes are advanced through the muscle on the side of the vertebrae (psoas muscle), X-rays and NeuroVision® nerve monitoring help to guide them to the appropriate spot on the spine and away from nearby nerves. NeuroVision® is a technologically advanced EMG system that assists the surgeon with safe surgical access and implant placement by monitoring nerve activity throughout the surgical procedure.
Once the tubes are in place, a tissue retractor (called the MaXcess® retractor) is advanced over them, locked to the surgical table, and held open to provide lighted visibility and instrument access to the disc space.
With the intervertebral disc now visible and accessible, the surgeon then removes the intervertebral disc and prepares the disc space for fusion.
With the disc space prepared, the surgeon then places a large stabilizing implant into the empty disc space to restore the proper disc height and support the loads put on that spinal segment.
Once the intervertebral implant is in position, the retractor is removed and final confirmation X-rays are taken. The small skin incisions are closed with a few stitches and a bandage.
Final | 
Pre-Surgery |
Post-Surgery |
Patient Testimonials
“Already having had two other back surgeries, this one was the easiest to get through. The mobility part of it was much improved. I was able to get myself up and down and sitting briefly for a meal much sooner. I was off pain meds much sooner.” –S.G.D.
“By the end of the first two weeks, I was doing a great amount of walking, and by five weeks I was walking two miles a day. Before the surgery I could not walk at all.” –S.T.
Talk to your doctor to see if XLIF® is right for you.
