A Detailed Examination Of XLIF Surgery Technique And Cautions
Traditional approaches to corrective spine surgical operations had for long tended towards posterior and anterior approaches. The invention of eXtreme Lateral Inter-body Fusion or XLIF surgery has however turned this practice on its head by promising less invasive outcomes. By using a lateral or sideways approach, surgeons are able to treat lumbar spine disorders more effectively.
There are basic similarities to other spinal correction procedures as TLIF, transacral approach as well as mini laparotomy. It has also been established to work for a number of disorders that affect the anterior spinal section. The incisions made are relatively small meaning the resultant scars are not easy to notice. There is also minimal blood loss or tissue damage.
After examining each case using proper diagnostic techniques, a surgeon can determine if XLIF is the way to go. Properly applied, it is possible to conclusively address complications related to degenerative disc disease, certain types of scoliosis as well as hernia occurring in the lumbar discs.
It is not always ideal to treat spinal disorders by applying this method. The more obvious cases are where the fusion needs to be carried out in an area inhibited by the pelvic brim. As such, proper access to the affected section of the backbone will be impossible.
Another impossibility occurs when the XLIF fusion needs to be carried out but the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae of the patient are lying too low for suitable access. In such cases it is best to opt for an alternative correction as using force may lead to complications in the future.
The XLIF process begins with the patient lying on their side, and the surgeon makes am mark above the affected disk area on their back. After that two incisions will be made on either side of the disc and a probing instrument known as a dilator inserted in one end. After proper access to the disc is made, the surgeon will insert the implant on from the other cut section.
In some cases it might be necessary to provide extra support in the form of plates, screws and rods. This will largely depend on individual patient cases. A proper diagnosis will have pointed out the possibility of this occurrence in good enough time.
A number of attendant complications that might occur after the operation has been completed will need to be considered. Some patients experience constant pain after the process while some will experience problematic fusions of these bone segments. Measures must also be put in place to prevent infection of the incisive wounds.
Recovery from XLIF surgery is greatly dependent on the health of the patient as well as the extent of correction. It is not unheard of for patients to be allowed to go back home on the day of operation though. For some others though, it may be necessary to remain under constant care for about a week or couple of days.
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