The XLIF is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of spinal disorders. A lateral (through the side of the body) surgical approach is used to access the intervertebral disc space and fuse the lumbar spine (low back).
This surgery is indicated to treat spinal disorders, such as lumbar degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and scoliosis. The goal is to reduce chronic back or leg pain, which has not been successfully treated with more conservative measures (e.g., physical therapy, pain medication or steroid injections).
The lateral approach is an alternate option to the anterior (front) or the posterior (back) methods. The advantages are that unlike the anterior or posterior approach, it spares major back muscles, bones, and ligaments and requires less recovery time.