PATIENT INFORMATION
Find a SOLAS surgeon in your area.
Zip Code Search is only within the United States.
A Study Investigating Minimally Disruptive Motion Preservation for the Lumbar Spine. Learn more about this patient research study here.
Lumbar
Surgical Treatments
XLIF® − An innovative, lateral approach to lumbar fusion utilizing the NuVasive® unique MAS® platform of NeuroVision® Intraoperative Monitoring System, MaXcess® Surgical Access System, and CoRoent® implants. This minimally disruptive procedure allows the surgeon to perform conventional surgery techniques through a small incision, producing results that exceed traditional open approaches. The XLIF procedure does not require entry through sensitive back muscles, bones, or ligaments, resulting in less postoperative pain. It also allows for complete disc removal and implant insertion, compared with approaches from the back. Unike ALIF, where the surgeon enters from the front, the XLIF procedure offers the benefit of reducing the risk of vascular injury during the procedure.
ILIF™ – Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented Fusion was developed to overcome the potential shortcomings of standard treatments for lumbar spinal stenosis treatments, using a minimally disruptive surgical technique. To address stenosis, ILIF involves a minimally disruptive decompression procedure called a distraction laminoplasty which involves temporary distraction of the space between the spinous processes, and careful removal of only small sections of bone to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. During ILIF, a precision-machined allograft bone is placed between the spinous processes to permanently distract areas that are pressing on the spinal cord and/or nerves, promote fusion between the spinous processes to provide long-term spine stabilization, and provide a protective cover for the spinal cord to help prevent scar tissue from pressing on the spinal cord and/or nerves. A small plate is then attached to both spinous processes to stabilize the segment of the spine and promote fusion, eliminating the need for more extensive surgery.
PLIF − This procedure is performed through the middle back, which allows direct access to the area being treated. The downside is that this approach also requires significant disruption to the muscles, bones, and ligaments of the back, which can lead to pain and desensitization after surgery. It also requires the surgeon to work around sensitive neural tissue.
TLIF − This approach is similar to PLIF – the difference being that only one side of the back is accessed and affected. As with PLIF, significant disruption to the muscles, bones, and ligaments of the back can occur – although limited to one side of the back.
Traditionally, both the PLIF and TLIF approaches require significant muscle, bone, and ligament dissection and/or disruption, which can sometimes lead to pain and
desensitization of the back muscles after surgery.
ALIF − In this procedure, the spine is approached from the front of the body. This approach spares the back from trauma but requires delicate manipulation of the major blood vessels in front of the spine.
The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your healthcare professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Please use the Physician Locator on www.lateralaccess.org to find a SOLAS™ surgeon in your area.
Nate “Rock” Quarry is a paid spokesperson for NuVasive®, Inc.