Extreme Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in NJ
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XLIF Surgery in New Jersey
Extreme Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, or XLIF, is a minimally invasive spine surgery designed to treat lower back pain and nerve issues caused by damaged discs or spinal instability. Instead of accessing the spine from the front or back, this procedure is a lateral approach through the side of the body, reducing muscle disruption and speeding recovery.
During XLIF, one of our spine surgeons in New Jersey removes the damaged disc and inserts a bone graft between the vertebrae to promote fusion and spinal stability. This minimally invasive technique offers effective pain relief with less recovery time compared to traditional fusion surgeries, helping patients regain mobility and normal function.
Benefits of XLIF Surgery
XLIF surgery offers a minimally invasive approach that reduces muscle damage and promotes quicker healing. Patients benefit from less pain, smaller incisions, and shorter hospital stays. This procedure is also muscle-sparing, reducing the risk of complications and providing excellent spinal stability, helping restore mobility and improve quality of life.
Benefits of XLIF
- Smaller incisions and minimal muscle disruption
- Reduced blood loss during surgery
- Shorter operative and hospital stay
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities
- Improved spinal alignment and stability
- Lower risk of infection and complications
XLIF Candidates
XLIF surgery is best suited for patients experiencing persistent lower back pain or leg symptoms due to degenerative disc disease, spinal instability, or stenosis that have not improved with non-surgical treatments. Candidates typically have good overall health and no severe spinal deformities or scar tissue that would complicate the lateral approach.
Candidates for XLIF Surgery
- Patients with degenerative disc disease or herniated discs
- Those diagnosed with spinal stenosis or scoliosis
- Individuals with prior unsuccessful back surgeries needing revision
- Patients experiencing nerve root compression symptoms
- Suitable bone quality and anatomy confirmed by imaging
- No significant contraindications such as severe obesity or vascular anomalies
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Choose Alliance Orthopedics for care that revolves around you. We listen, collaborate, and create a custom orthopedic treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your recovery!
Preparing for XLIF Surgery
Preparing for XLIF involves careful planning and following your surgeon’s guidelines to ensure a safe surgery and smooth recovery. Patients undergo a thorough health evaluation, including medical tests and imaging, and receive instructions on medication adjustments and pre-surgery fasting.
Patient Preparation Checklist:
- Complete all preoperative tests (blood work, EKG, imaging)
- Review medications with your surgeon; stop blood thinners as directed
- Arrange transportation and home support after surgery
- Follow fasting instructions before surgery
- Shower with antibacterial soap the night before and the day of surgery
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing on surgery day
How is XLIF Surgery Performed?
XLIF surgery is performed while the patient lies on their side under general anesthesia. One of our spine surgeons in New Jersey makes a small incision on the side of the body to access the spine without cutting through major muscles or moving abdominal organs. Using specialized instruments and real-time nerve monitoring, the damaged disc is removed, and a bone graft-filled implant is placed between the vertebrae to restore disc height and stabilize the spine.
In many cases, screws or other fixation devices are added through a separate small incision for extra support. The incision is then closed, and patients typically recover faster due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.
XLIF Surgery Recovery
After XLIF surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two days for close monitoring and pain management. Most can begin light activities such as walking within a few days and gradually increase movement under medical guidance. Using a brace may be recommended to support the spine during initial healing.
Over the first several weeks, activities will be limited to prevent strain, with supervised physical therapy helping restore strength. Many return to light work within 4 to 6 weeks, while full recovery and bone fusion often take 3 to 6 months, depending on individual health and healing.
What to Expect After Extreme Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
XLIF surgery has a strong track record of success in reducing chronic back and leg pain while restoring spinal stability. Many patients experience noticeable improvement in mobility and quality of life within weeks of the procedure. By accessing the spine from the side, XLIF allows for less disruption to muscles and tissues, leading to faster healing and lasting results. Most patients return to work and daily activities with significantly less pain and greater function, enjoying long-term relief and the confidence to move more freely.
XLIF FAQs
XLIF surgery has a high success rate, with over 90% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility after the procedure. Most report lasting benefits that enhance the quality of life and daily functioning.
d to help restore neck strength, improve range of motion, and support recovery. Your surgeon will work with one of our physical therapists to personalize a physical therapy plan based on your progress.
Yes, XLIF can effectively restore proper disc height and improve spinal alignment, which helps alleviate nerve compression and reduces discomfort.
Many patients notice reduced pain and better movement within weeks after surgery, with continued improvement as healing progresses over several months.
Patients who undergo XLIF often experience sustained pain relief and enhanced spinal stability, leading to a better quality of life. Improved posture and increased mobility are commonly reported. Many patients maintain these positive outcomes for years following surgery when combined with proper rehabilitation and lifestyle habits.
Why Choose Alliance Orthopedics?
At Alliance Orthopedics, you’ll find expert orthopedic spine care designed around you. Our board-certified spine surgeons in New Jersey use the latest minimally invasive techniques to help you heal faster and achieve lasting results. With multiple convenient orthopedic clinics across the state, surgical, interventional, and non-surgical spine treatment is always close to home. From your first visit through recovery, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and make you better every day.
Spine Surgeons in New Jersey
Our board-certified spine surgeons and specialists in New Jersey are dedicated to helping you find lasting back and neck pain relief. Using minimally invasive spine surgery, we create treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Our team works together to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life, so you can get back to doing what you love with confidence.
Orthopedic Clinics in New Jersey
We offer multiple orthopedic clinics throughout New Jersey, providing easy access to expert orthopedic care. Each location is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by specialized providers ready to deliver personalized care for injuries, chronic conditions, and surgical recovery. Patients benefit from convenient, community-based treatment close to home.
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