Spinal Fusion

Spinal Fusion Surgery for Back Care

A lateral interbody fusion is a new, minimally invasive way of performing spinal fusion surgery on people with certain spine conditions. Spinal fusion provides Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) surgeons with an alternate route to access the spine. This minimally invasive technique also can give you a faster route to recovery.

Traditional Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Spine care teams sometimes recommend lumbar spinal fusion to correct problems in the anatomy of the back. It involves removing a damaged disc and bone from between two vertebrae and inserting material (bone graft) that promotes bone growth.  

As the bone grows, the two vertebrae join together (fuse). Fusing the bones together can help make a particular area of the back more stable. This reduces problems related to nerve irritation. Sometimes, surgeons also use plates or screws to help stabilize the bones. Surgeons can perform fusions at one or more segments of the spine.

Lateral Interbody Fusion

For traditional lumbar spinal fusion, the surgeon reaches the back through an incision (cut) in the abdomen, back or both (depending on the individual’s anatomy and needs). With a lateral interbody fusion, the surgeon approaches the back through a small incision in the side of the body. We use special tools and techniques to get the best results.  

There are a number of other names for this same technique:  

• Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion (DLIF) 
• eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) 
• Transpsoas interbody fusion

Benefits of Lateral Interbody Fusion

The lateral interbody fusion is a less invasive way to perform spinal fusion surgery. Approaching the spine through the abdomen means the surgeon must get around large blood vessels, nerves, muscles and organs that are in the way. This can prolong recovery after surgery and, in rare cases, can cause complications such as nerve or blood vessel damage. 

The lateral approach provides an alternate route to the spine that disturbs far fewer structures and tissues. This — in combination with small incisions — means much less discomfort for you and fewer risks of complications. 

Some people who have this surgery also need an incision in the back. Others can have their entire operation completed through the lateral incisions. Your surgeon will provide you details on which approach is best for your situation.

Candidates for Lateral Interbody Fusion

Not everyone who needs spinal fusion surgery is a good candidate for the lateral approach. It depends on many factors, especially your anatomy and the exact location of your spine that needs repair. 

In most cases, candidates for this surgery are those who would have needed an incision in the abdomen for the surgeon to reach the area of concern. For those who qualify, the lateral approach provides a gentler way to perform all or part of a needed spine operation.