Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure used to correct the small bones in the spine. Two or more bones of the spine are fused together to cease the painful motion, decompress pinched nerves, or correct scoliosis. A method of fusing the lumbar spine, called Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion or LLIF, is performed to alleviate the symptoms associated with an impinged or irritated spinal cord. Interbody fusion is a type of spinal fusion that involves removing the intervertebral disc from the disc space.
What is involved in a LLIF?
The LLIF procedure is done under general anesthesia. You are placed on a side position and the operating table is bent to have a maximum view of the spine.
In some cases, the surgeon will use an instrument called a tubular retractor. Inserted through skin and soft tissues and down to the spine, this retractor holds the muscles so the surgeon can have a better view of your spine.
The surgeon removes the affected disc and fills that space with a spacer bone graft. This graft becomes the bridge between two bones to promote fusion. It also restores the height between the bones and relieves the pressure on the pinched nerves.
In some cases, this graft is held in place using plate and screws on the side or with the use of pedicle screws from the back.
As the body heals, new bone cells grow around the graft. About 3 to 6 months after surgery, the bone graft should be able to fuse the two vertebrae, creating one solid piece of bone.
What Happens After the Surgery?
If only one level is fused, you may be able to go home after your surgery. If more than one level is fused, you may have to spend a night in the hospital.
You will be provided with instructions on what symptoms to watch out for (e.g. belly pain or weakness in the legs), pain medications, and follow-ups.
Who Can Benefit from a LLIF?
You can benefit from the LLIF procedure if you have:
• Degenerative disc disease
• Low-grade spondylolisthesis
• Mild to moderate case of scoliosis
• Symptoms that are not improving with physical therapy or medication
On the other hand, LLIF may not right for you if you have:
• Damaged disc at L5-S1 (the hip bone blocks access)
• Severe case of spondylolisthesis or scoliosis
• Prior abdominal surgery near the kidneys
The board certified spine and neck specialists at South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine have had success in performing spinal fusion procedures such as the LLIF procedure. If you need your back pain assessed, reach out to us. Our team is dedicated to helping you Feel Better Faster.
Please call (772) 288-2400 to request an appointment.