PATIENT INFORMATION

The Revolutionary Approach

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Creative and Innovative Spine Technology from NuVasive®

NuVasive® is best known for its development of the XLIF® procedure. By accessing the spine from the side of the body, XLIF eliminates the debilitating effects of cutting back muscles, removing bone, and retracting the neural elements that are typically experienced after a conventional posterior surgical approach (PLIF). Additionally, XLIF avoids retraction of internal organs and major blood vessels as is necessary in the conventional anterior surgical approach (ALIF) to reach the spine. XLIF is a safe and reproducible approach with minimal disruption, making post-op recovery easier for the patient.

The XLIF procedure for lumbar fusion was developed to overcome the obstacles of both anterior (front) and posterior (back) approaches to access the spine. XLIF avoids significant musculature disruption by utilizing a natural path from the side of the body to the spine. This is called “lateral access.” The highly integrated MAS® System provides significant benefits to patients, including reduced surgery time, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and significantly faster recovery time.

The XLIF approach does not require back muscle and bone dissection or nerve retraction; it also allows for a more complete disc removal and predictable implant insertion, compared with traditional posterior procedures. XLIF also does not require the delicate abdominal exposure or present the same risk of vascular injury as traditional anterior procedures.

Because the procedure is less disruptive than conventional posterior or anterior surgery, most patients are able to get up and walk around within a day of the surgery. In general, XLIF surgery results in faster recovery and return to normal activities.

The less-disruptive lateral approach by NuVasive is a breakthrough for spine patients, but it is of particular benefit for active patients who want to return to their active lifestyles more quickly and easily, or those who cannot tolerate a larger, open procedure because of the increased risks of longer anesthesia time, greater blood loss, longer hospitalization, and longer recovery.

Hospital Stay - 1-2 days with XLIF. 3-5 days with traditional surgery.
Graph Hospital

Walking - Same day with XLIF. 2-4 days with traditional surgery.
Graph Walking

Return to Normal Activities - 4-6 weeks with XLIF. 6 months or longer with traditional surgery.
Graph Recovery

Blood Loss - Less than 100cc with XLIF. 300-600cc with traditional surgery.
Graph Blood

Risks specific to any lumbar spinal surgery include, but are not limited to: revision or reoperation, change in lordosis, injuries to kidneys or ureters, deterioration in neurological status, facet joint deterioration, spondylolysis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, nerve damage due to surgical trauma, neurological difficulties including bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, tethering of nerves in scar tissue, muscle weakness or paresthesia, vascular damage including hematoma, ileus injuries, deep vein thrombosis potentially leading to pulmonary embolism, catastrophic or fatal bleeding, dural tears experienced during surgery resulting in the need for further surgery for dural repair, a chronic CSF leak or fistula, and possible meningitis, bursitis, paralysis, damage to lymphatic vessels and/or lymphatic fluid exudation, fracture of bony structures, anesthetic reaction, bowel perforation, hernia, infection-peritonitis, periotoneal adhesions, failure of the procedure to improve symptoms and/or functions, spinal stenosis, and death.

The XLIF® minimally disruptive procedure can be performed for a number of situations. The list below contains representative examples. The list is not intended to include all possible indications and/or contraindications.

Any thoracolumbar case above L5-S1 requiring access to the disc space and/or vertebral bodies. Examples include:

  • DDD with Instability
  • Recurrent Disc Herniation
  • Degenerative Spondylolisthesis (≤ grade 2)
  • Degenerative Scoliosis
  • Pseudarthrosis
  • Discitis, Vertebral Osteomyelitis (without active infection)
  • TDR Revision
  • Post-Laminectomy Instability
  • Junctional Disease

Any generally accepted contraindication to fusion, such as:

  • Systemic infection
  • Osteoporosis
  • Significant co-morbidities
  • L5-S1
  • Lumbar deformities with > 30° rotation
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis > grade 3
  • Bilateral retroperitoneal scarring (e.g., abscess or prior surgery)
  • Need for direct posterior decompression through same approach
    (Second posterior micro-decompression not contraindicated)

It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of XLIF ® with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.

For additional information on XLIF, please visit www.xlif.com and www.lateralaccess.org.

Nate “Rock” Quarry is a paid spokesperson for NuVasive®, Inc.