Extreme lateral interbody fusion, more commonly referred to as XLIF, is an advanced minimally invasive spine procedure that skilled neurosurgeons use to treat some patients with kyphosis. In XLIF procedures, the neurosurgeon approaches from the side, avoiding the major muscles of the back. The surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s side between the lower ribs and pelvis, then inserts a special surgical instrument just above the disc space. The surgeon removes the damaged disc tissue and inserts a spacer between the vertebrae. The surgical team monitors the position and correct placement of the spacer, sometimes using special screws or a plate on the side of the spine to offer additional stability. Patients typically are walking within a few hours of the XLIF procedure and are then discharged the next day. Most patients are back to work within approximately two weeks.
Our Care Team
- Hansen-MacDonald Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Director of Spinal Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Director, Orthopedic Spine Surgery
- Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spinal Surgery
- Co-Director, Spinal Deformity and Scoliosis Program
- Chief of Neurological Surgery, NYP Lower Manhattan
- Clinical Associate Professor of Neurosurgery
- Attending Neurosurgeon
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Spine Surgery
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
- Assistant Professor of Radiology in Neurological Surgery (Manhattan and Queens)
- Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery
Illustration by Thom Graves, CMI