Is XLIF An Appropriate Treatment For Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease?

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 Answered on

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Can direct lateral spine fusion be done on a patient with previous invasive lumbar spinal fusion?
email address is YYYY@YYYY .

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it can be done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

You mean lateral lumbar interbody fusion, I guess.

In this case yes, it can be done technically and it is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat mainly degenative disc disease of lumbar column.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (23 minutes later)

Sorry to bother you again, but is scar tissue an issue? I've had L4-5, L5-S1. Since this issue involves L3-4, I'm a little concerned about scar tissue interfering.
Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Scar tissue is not an issue.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Scar tissue isn't an issue in your case because it is located posterior ( back ) not lateral ( else the side ) of vertebral column and the L3-L4 level isn't affected by previous surgery.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D