XLIF Surgery Technique And General Information
Traditional approaches to corrective spine surgical operations had for long tended towards posterior and anterior approaches. The invention of eXtreme Lateral Inter-body Fusion or XLIF surgery has however turned this practice on its head by promising less invasive outcomes. By using a lateral or sideways approach, surgeons are able to treat lumbar spine disorders more effectively.
There are basic similarities to other spinal correction procedures as TLIF, transacral approach as well as mini laparotomy. It has also been established to work for a number of disorders that affect the anterior spinal section. The incisions made are relatively small meaning the resultant scars are not easy to notice. There is also minimal blood loss or tissue damage.
The occasions on which these operations are best suited are manifold. In all cases the doctor must have determined that lumbar fusion is the best option left of correcting the disorder. The conditions include degenerative disc disease, degenerative scoliosis as well as recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Whichever the disorder, a proper diagnosis at select care centers is necessary in arriving at the correct plan of action.
It is not always ideal to treat spinal disorders by applying this method. The more obvious cases are where the fusion needs to be carried out in an area inhibited by the pelvic brim. As such, proper access to the affected section of the backbone will be impossible.
Another impossibility occurs when the XLIF fusion needs to be carried out but the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae of the patient are lying too low for suitable access. In such cases it is best to opt for an alternative correction as using force may lead to complications in the future.
The XLIF process begins with the patient lying on their side, and the surgeon makes am mark above the affected disk area on their back. After that two incisions will be made on either side of the disc and a probing instrument known as a dilator inserted in one end. After proper access to the disc is made, the surgeon will insert the implant on from the other cut section.
When the disorder has caused far more damage than a straightforward operation will correct, it may be necessary to go for extra support. The doctor performing the procedure will decide which of the alternatives including plates, screws and rods is best suited for the task. The need for such measures will largely depend on individual cases.
Proper regard must be made to the possibility of complications that can attend the healing process. Some patients complain of constant and acute pain while some will have problems getting the wound to heal. Proper care must be taken to prevent infection of the area that underwent incision.
Recovery from XLIF surgery is greatly dependent on the health of the patient as well as the extent of correction. It is not unheard of for patients to be allowed to go back home on the day of operation though. For some others though, it may be necessary to remain under constant care for about a week or couple of days.
There are basic similarities to other spinal correction procedures as TLIF, transacral approach as well as mini laparotomy. It has also been established to work for a number of disorders that affect the anterior spinal section. The incisions made are relatively small meaning the resultant scars are not easy to notice. There is also minimal blood loss or tissue damage.
The occasions on which these operations are best suited are manifold. In all cases the doctor must have determined that lumbar fusion is the best option left of correcting the disorder. The conditions include degenerative disc disease, degenerative scoliosis as well as recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Whichever the disorder, a proper diagnosis at select care centers is necessary in arriving at the correct plan of action.
It is not always ideal to treat spinal disorders by applying this method. The more obvious cases are where the fusion needs to be carried out in an area inhibited by the pelvic brim. As such, proper access to the affected section of the backbone will be impossible.
Another impossibility occurs when the XLIF fusion needs to be carried out but the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae of the patient are lying too low for suitable access. In such cases it is best to opt for an alternative correction as using force may lead to complications in the future.
The XLIF process begins with the patient lying on their side, and the surgeon makes am mark above the affected disk area on their back. After that two incisions will be made on either side of the disc and a probing instrument known as a dilator inserted in one end. After proper access to the disc is made, the surgeon will insert the implant on from the other cut section.
When the disorder has caused far more damage than a straightforward operation will correct, it may be necessary to go for extra support. The doctor performing the procedure will decide which of the alternatives including plates, screws and rods is best suited for the task. The need for such measures will largely depend on individual cases.
Proper regard must be made to the possibility of complications that can attend the healing process. Some patients complain of constant and acute pain while some will have problems getting the wound to heal. Proper care must be taken to prevent infection of the area that underwent incision.
Recovery from XLIF surgery is greatly dependent on the health of the patient as well as the extent of correction. It is not unheard of for patients to be allowed to go back home on the day of operation though. For some others though, it may be necessary to remain under constant care for about a week or couple of days.
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