XLIF® Minimally Disruptive Procedure for Spine Surgery

The procedure, called XLIF® (eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion), involves a lateral, or side, approach to the patient, rather than from the back or front. This approach provides direct access to the disc space, allowing for complete disc removal and implant insertion.

An estimated 10 million adults suffer from chronic back and leg pain, which often limits their activities. It is estimated that more than one million patients undergo spine surgery each year in the U.S. Until recently, adults with back or leg pain have undergone traditional, or 'open', spine surgery, requiring large incisions, significant recovery time and a delay in return to normal activity.

Juan Uribe, M.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine will perform the procedure using NeuroVision®, a technologically advanced EMG system. This technology allows surgeons to have accurate, reproducible, real-time feedback about nerve health and function, reducing the incidence of nerve injury during surgery. Fernando Vale, M.D., Associate Professor, University of South Florida College of Medicine, and Vice Chief of the Neurosciences Department at Tampa General Hospital will provide commentary and answer email questions from viewers during the procedure.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• XLIF
• spine
• surgery
• eXtreme
• Lateral
• Interbody
• Fusion
• chronic
• back
• pain

[DarkestClear]

I had this procedure done by Juan Uribe for L1 burst fracture (fuse T12-L2). After 2 weeks, I had absolutely no pain. Now it's been six weeks, and I still have no pain! Everything is healing perfectly.

[bigfatpoopie]

XLIF has the same risks/complications as posterior fusion with the unknowns of revision/salvage for mechanical failure/malposition/dislodgeme­nt (inevitable), infection (retroperitoneal), nerve root vulnerability (root must be retracted as crosses disc/psoas dissection). I've just revised an XLIF for nonunion/severe pain. Academic and community neuro/orthopaedic surgeons should approach with skepticism and caution.

[laaxe]

From patient w/ significant fusion experience.

Two cervical fusions (one w/o hardware in '95, one with in 2002). go w/ hardware!

An L4-L5-S1 posterior (from the back) taking 7 hours, in 2007, and recently (Dec. 2009) a Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion, fusing my L2-L3-L4, eventually fusing five consecutive vertebrae.

The procedure is as touted. Fusion took just over 2 hrs., & out of hosp. in 48 hrs.

Criticism, post-surg pain severe for 2 weeks, but have high opiate tolerance.

Quick recovery!