Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion XLIF®
At Axis Brian & Back Institute, we understand and can help the pain that you are going through. We specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery which is specially constructed to treat spine conditions with a lower infection risk and shorter recovery times than more traditional open back and open neck surgeries. Our patients will attest that we have helped provide solutions after years of chronic pain that took away their ability to perform even basic functions every day.
About Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion XLIF®
The surgeon creates two small incisions in the patient’s side. These incisions are much smaller than those used in traditional back surgery. A probe is inserted through one incision. The second incision is used to help guide the surgical instruments. The surgeon uses the probe to stimulate and detect nerves along the side of the spine. When a nerve is found it can be avoided and left undamaged. Fluoroscopic x-ray images also are used to guide the probe to the proper position on the spine.
A series of dilation tubes are slid over the probe to create a larger opening. Then, a retraction device is used to move aside muscle tissue and gain access to the spine. The surgeon operates through the channel created by the retractor. The damaged disc is removed and an implant is placed into the empty disc space, realigning the vertebral bones. This also lifts pressure from pinched nerve roots. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) may also be used to encourage bone growth and a strong fusion.
The morselized bone graft will grow through and around the implant, forming a bone bridge that connects the vertebral bodies above and below. This solid bone bridge is called a fusion.t
Frequent Symptoms Helped by Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion XLIF®
Though herniated discs and degenerative disc disease cause symptoms which can change depending on the severity of the condition, there are some general symptoms that often see relief from this procedure.
– Numbness and tingling – Often, patients are experiencing numbness or tingling in the arm and fingers due to the impacted nerve in the neck. This could be similar to what it feels like to lose circulation to the arm.
– Arm pain – The nerve which is affected by the damaged disc often leads to a shooting pain in one arm. This pain can travel all the way from the shoulder down through the fingers. Often, this is accompanied by a pain in the neck along with the radiating pain the arm.
– Weakness – It is possible that the affected nerve is not able to signal the muscles in the arm the way it normally would, causing a general feeling of weakness.
If you are experiencing chronic neck pain and/or any of the symptoms listed above, contact our team at Axis Brain & Back Institute and get BACK@IT. You don’t have to miss out on life’s greatest moments because of pain. Schedule your free MRI review today!