Procedures

Minimally Invasive XLIF

Minimally Invasive XLIF

A minimally invasive XLIF is a fusion procedure done through very small incisions in the side as opposed to through an incision in the front or back.  There are no sutures to remove.  The removal of the disc is done through minimally invasive retractors are inserted through a small incision in the side.  The disc is then carefully removed and a spacer block with bone graft is placed into the disc space.  The two vertebrae will grow into the bone graft to create the fusion of the two bones.

This procedure is minimally invasive and is sutureless.

Minimally Invasive XLIF
Hospital Stay

Hospital Stay

Overnight

Typically 1-3 nights in the hospital.

Surgery Type

Surgery Type

Minimally Invasive

Incisions are typically 1 inch long.

Blood Loss

Blood Loss

Minimal

This procedure will cause minimal blood loss with limited tissue disruption.

Recovery Time

Recovery Time

Hours to weeks

Up and walking hours after surgery. Return to work approximately 4 weeks after surgery. No twisting, bending or heavy lifting for 3 months after the surgery.

Surgery Time

Surgery Time

Minutes

The procedure is approximately 60 – 90 minutes.

Not all patients and procedures are the same. The above is an example of what the typical patient can expect from some minimally invasive procedures.

Back Stories

How to Protect Your Lower Back from Pain While Lifting Something Heavy
How to Protect Your Lower Back from Pain While Lifting Something Heavy
Acute back pain can be caused by a multitude of things, from auto accidents to falls to even sneezin...
Read Article
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease May Cause Headaches
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease May Cause Headaches
When your head is pounding, you may cycle through a litany of potential causes, from allergies to la...
Read Article
Can Back Pain Go Away Overnight?
Can Back Pain Go Away Overnight?
Trying to sleep with back pain is no fun. If your pain is so extreme that you need immediate care du...
Read Article
Don’t Suffer with Lower Back Pain from Driving
Don’t Suffer with Lower Back Pain from Driving
Is driving causing back pain? This is a common complaint, especially for those who have a long commu...
Read Article
The Five Most Common Herniated Disc Symptoms
The Five Most Common Herniated Disc Symptoms
Wake up with a pain pulsating down one leg? Feel a twinge in your lower back when you sneeze? It cou...
Read Article
8 Back Health Tips for Working from Home
8 Back Health Tips for Working from Home
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, have you recently found yourself working from home? Many of us sudd...
Read Article
  • Living Best Of
  • Dallas Modern Luxury
  • D Magazine
  • Good Morning Texas
  • Focus On Health
  • Best Docs Network
  • MD News