extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF)

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Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is a form of lumbar surgical spinal fusion developed in 2001 to be a safer alternative to the older anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) developed in the 1950s .

Unlike an ALIF, an XLIF is performed from a lateral trans-psoas approach and does not require retroperitoneal or intraperitoneal dissection. The disc space is reached and a discectomy performed. Into the defect is introduced a disc spacer cage and bone graft material which will, in time, result in complete bony fusion .