XLIF Surgery in Los Angeles, CA

If your back and radiating leg pain isn’t responding to conservative treatments that may include a combination of medication and physical therapy, you may be a candidate for extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) surgery. Performed through incisions on the side of the body, this is a minimally invasive procedure designed to ease stress on muscles and other structures as much as possible. Several factors will be considered to determine whether or not you’re a candidate for XLIF surgery.

Back Pain Caused by Degeneration

The XLIF surgery Los Angles patients receive is primarily meant to treat damage to a spinal disc from degenerative disc disease. Related symptoms typically include numbness and radiating weakness. This type of surgery may also be right for you if you have back or leg pain due to:

  • Sideways curvature of the spine due to degeneration (scoliosis)
  • Slippage of one vertebra over the one beneath it(spondylolisthesis)
  • Post-inflammatory syndrome
  • Disc herniation

Unsuccessful Fusion Surgery

XLIF surgery is sometimes recommended if you’ve had traditional spinal fusion surgery and the fusion either didn’t form at all or failed to sufficiently form enough to stabilize your spine (posterior pseudarthrosis). You may also benefit from the procedure if you’ve developed new symptoms after fusion or back surgery in the same area (adjacent level syndrome). XLIF surgery is not recommended for pain related to nerve compression or is not caused by some type of degeneration.

Because XLIF surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, you’ll likely have a faster recovery time if it’s right for your condition. The surgery is typically performed in less than two hours time under general anesthesia. Special instruments and a series of X-rays guide the Beverly Hills spinal surgeon to the affected area of the spine to remove the damaged disc and place the implant.

If you think you might need XLIF surgery or another minimally invasive procedure, get in touch with Dr. Hyun Bae at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. Dr. Bae and his team of professional surgeons can diagnose the source of your pain and determine the best course of action for finding relief. Call 310-828-7757 today to schedule an appointment.