Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
Potential candidates for XLIF are patients with pain or instability in the lumbar spine from disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis (where one vertebra has slipped forward over another), degenerative scoliosis (spine misalignment) or recurrent herniated disc. However, XLIF is not for everyone. For example,it cannot be used to treat conditions at the lowest level of the spine (L5-S1) because the pelvis prevents access.
Anatomy
The lumbar spine, or low back, includes the five largest and strongest vertebrae. Between each vertebra is a gel-like disc that provides a cushioning effect to absorb pressure and distribute stress. The low back is vulnerable to many pain-provoking disorders, ranging from simple strains to a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis or spinal stenosis.
When is surgery recommended?
If you have worsening back or leg pain resulting from spondylolisthesis, disc degeneration, a chronic herniated disc or other spine abnormality that limits your everyday activities, and conservative measures failed, you could consider spinal fusion surgery.
The type of fusion surgery you have depends on many factors including your overall health, the location and severity of your problem, and your pain and disability. It is very important that you are carefully screened by a qualified surgeon who is trained in spinal fusion techniques to determine the best course of action.
What is the recovery time?
The XLIF procedure has many advantages that can lead to a faster recovery, including:
- Reduced operative time
- Less tissue damage and blood loss
- Less post-operative pain
- Minimal scarring
- A shorter hospital stay
Patients are typically walking soon after surgery and require only one night in the hospital. Many patients who have XLIF surgery are able to return to normal activities in as little as six weeks. As with all surgical procedures, however, specific recovery time varies by patient and demand.