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Spine Treatments

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

What is a lateral lumbar interbody fusion?

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat conditions that affect the discs and vertebrae in the lumbar spine. This approach is typically used to address degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and other spinal deformities. The goal is to decompress, re-align, and ultimately fuse the problem vertebrae into a new position.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion has become a popular, safe and effective minimally invasive treatment option for a variety of degenerative lumbar spinal conditions. This surgical technique allows for disc height restoration with subsequent direct or indirect nerve decompression. Additionally, it can improve spinal alignment by correcting deformity.

The main indications for this procedure include spinal instability, disc height collapse leading to pinched nerves, spinal deformity, and other degenerative problems. The procedure is intended to help resolve spinal malalignment, back pain, nerve pain, and other symptoms.

Patient selection and preoperative planning are critical when considering this procedure. The surgical procedure is performed using fluoroscopy. Dr. Colman accesses the lumbar spine through a small incision made on the patient’s side (lateral approach), rather than from the front (anterior) or back (posterior). This lateral approach allows him to avoid major back muscles and ligaments.

Through this small incision Dr. Colman carefully navigates around the abdominal organs and the psoas muscle to reach the spine. The damaged intervertebral disc material is removed, creating space between the vertebrae.

A spacer, commonly referred to as an interbody “cage”, is inserted into the disc space. This cage is typically filled with bone graft material to facilitate fusion. The purpose of the cage is to restore disc height, alleviate nerve compression, and provide stability to the spinal segment. The interbody cage is usually supplemented with additional instrumentation, such as screws and rods, to provide further stability and promote proper spinal alignment during the fusion process.

LLIF offers several advantages over traditional spinal fusion techniques, including:

  • Reduced Muscle Damage: By avoiding the large muscles of the back, LLIF may result in less postoperative pain and faster recovery.
  • Minimal Blood Loss: The minimally invasive nature of LLIF often leads to less blood loss during surgery.
  • Shorter Hospital Stay: Patients may experience shorter hospital stays and quicker returns to normal activities compared to more invasive spinal surgeries.
  • Preservation of Spinal Structures: The lateral approach helps preserve important spinal structures, potentially reducing the risk of complications.

Recovery from LLIF varies depending on the patient and the extent of the surgery. Patients are encouraged to mobilize the day of surgery and the first postoperative day after surgery. Some patients require an inpatient stay, although many are also able to return home the same day of surgery due to advanced techniques in ambulatory surgery utilized by Dr. Colman.

LLIF is a demanding procedure that requires adequate experience and expertise. Dr. Matthew Colman has the experience and expertise to successfully perform this procedure. Speak with Dr. Matthew Colman about risks and benefits. He will explain your condition and the surgical approach he recommends so that you have the necessary information to make an informed decision about your care.

Dr. Matthew Colman specializes in spine oncology and will work closely with your oncologist and other doctors involved with your or your loved one’s care to coordinate care and ensure he has complete information about your condition.  His patients find him to be kind and caring, competent and thorough, knowledgeable and trustworthy. Contact him at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, Illinois to schedule a consultation today.

At a Glance

Dr. Matthew Colman

  • Internationally recognized expertise and thought leadership for a diverse range of spinal problems
  • Patient-specific and humanistic approach which uses the latest technology and techniques
  • Team centered approach prioritizes availability, communication, and support
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