The back is made up of a number of small bones called vertebrae. Cushioning discs present between the vertebrae act as shock absorbers. The vertebral column allows the cylindrical bundle of nerve fibers called the spinal cord to pass through the entire column length and branch out to the various parts of the body. Any damage or deformity to the bones of the vertebral column or to the intervertebral discs can damage these nerves, leading to pain in the body part that the nerve supplies.
Indications
- Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is indicated for:
- Degenerative disc disease: wearing out of intervertebral discs with age
- Scoliosis: abnormally curved spine
- Spinal stenosis: narrowing of the spinal canal
- Spondylolisthesis: slipping of vertebra from their normal position
- Fractures
- Infections
- XLIF is not recommended in the following situations:
- When the displacement of the vertebrae in degenerative spondylolisthesis is greater than 50%
- Severe compression of a spinal nerve
- Presence of scarring from prior surgery or abscess