" XLIF is a truly minimally invasive alternative for lumbar spine fusion (L1-L5). Biomechanically, one is able to perform such an extensive discectomy and place a very large (PEEK) spacer. This not only provides a large surface area for fusion to occur, but results in a very stable construct, as the spacer covers the apophoseal ring,. The spine is not destabilized with the XLIF approach, as there is no removal of the ALL or PLL, so constructs are most often performed as stand alone operations. In fact, because of the lateral approach and size of the spacer, as well as the tensioning of the ALL/PLL, correction of coronal and sagittal imbalance is much more easily achieved than with more traditional approaches. Finally, because a posterior operation is rarely needed, patients are spared the pain and long term sequela of a posterior spinal fusion. In summary, I believe the XLIF procedure is a simple, elegant, minimally invasive alternative to more traditional lumbar fusion operations. Though minimally invasive, it is maximally effective, and meets, or more often exceeds, the results of stand anterior and posterior fusions." Kaveh Khajavi, MD
Patient testimonials:
"This September marks the second anniversary of my XLIF surgery and I still can not thank you enough. It amazes me how awesome I feel compared to before my surgery. I am now doing everything I used to do before. It is great living life again!" Janet Ricci, age 31 (at time of surgery was 29 yo with 5 years of back pain), 1 level XLIF 9/2004
"At 72 there is a lot that can keep you down but I was not about to let back pain be one of them! Thank you so very much for getting me back where I belong...in my garden!! You are all angels!" Sylvia Miller, age 72, XLIF 11/2005
"I waited a long time to find a minimally invasive spine fusion option. The wait was well worth it! The recovery was as good as I could have hoped (I returned to the carpool line in a week!). I have 3 small children and they now have their Mommy back. I can exercise and play again. I can not thank you enough." Tiffany James, age 35, 2 level XLIF 2/2006
"The XLIF was the best thing I ever did for my back. I had tried everything under the sun... chiropractic, injections, even acupuncture. The recovery is real. There are good days and bad but with perseverance you do turn a corner and then good drastically outweighs the not so good. I am so excited to be enjoying the activities I love again (although the deer may not thank you so much)." David Cleghorn, age 46. 2 level XLIF 10/2005
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