XLIF/DLIF

XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) and DLIF (Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion) are the same lateral (from the side) approach to the spine. The procedure involves fusing one vertebral body to another, providing stability and reducing pain from the facet joints and intervertebral discs.

The lateral fusion (XLIF/DLIF) has the benefit of obtaining excellent fusion potential through a minimally invasive approach. The disc is removed and replaced with a spacer and bone graft material. The size of the spacers inserted thru the lateral approach is typically twice the size of spacers inserted from the back (TLIF or PLIF approach). Larger spacers enhance stability and fusion success rates.

Pedicle screws, which may be used for additional stability, are inserted into the bone in order to stabilize the motion segment (ex. L4-5) and increase fusion rate. We insert our pedicle screws under three-dimensional computer navigation which increase the accuracy and safety of the procedure.

Ninety-five percent of our patients have had pain reduction with a XLIF/DLIF procedure with an average pain reduction from 9/10 preop to 4/10 postop.

A patient in her late eighties with spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 underwent DLIF with pedicle screws and decompression. She initially could not stand for five minutes due to pain. Two years post-surgery, she could stand for 20-30 minutes with pain reduced to half pre-operative levels.