Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF, DLIF)

A Direct Lumbar Interbody Fusion (DLIF) or eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) is a lumbar fusion procedure from the side, or a lateral approach. Typically, this approach is best for patients with spinal abnormalities from the mid to upper lumbar spine as well as the lower thoracic spine. Using a minimally invasive approach, the surgeon will separate the tissue fibers to approach the side of the spine. Once direct visualization is achieved, your surgeon will remove the disc material and place an appropriately sized cage or interbody device with bone graft material into the disc space. By placing an interbody device, this realigns the spine and recreates disc space, thereby decompressing nerves. Further stabilization can be achieved through a plate and/or posterior instrumented fusion.