What it is
XLIF (extreme lateral interbody fusion) reaches the lumbar disc through a small incision on the patient's side, passing gently through the psoas muscle corridor. Like ALIF, it allows a large spacer that restores height and alignment — without opening the abdomen or stripping the back muscles.
When it's recommended
- Degenerative disc disease, instability, or low-grade spondylolisthesis at levels suited to the lateral corridor
- Adult degenerative scoliosis and deformity, where lateral cages help rebalance the spine
- Selected revision situations after prior posterior surgery
As with every procedure in this practice, surgery is offered only after conservative options have been genuinely explored — or when the diagnosis clearly calls for it.
How it's performed
Through a 1–2 inch flank incision with continuous nerve monitoring, the disc is removed and the spacer placed. Dr. Pompliano has presented comparative research on lateral versus posterior fusion approaches at international meetings. Posterior screws are added when additional stability is needed.
Recovery & return to activity
- Early walking — typically the same day
- Often a 1–2 night stay
- Temporary hip-flexor soreness or thigh numbness on the approach side is common and usually resolves
- Staged return to full activity as the fusion matures
Recovery details vary by patient and by the specifics of each operation — your individual plan, restrictions, and milestones are set with you before surgery and refined at follow-up.
Related: Scoliosis & Deformity · TLIF · ALIF
Already been told you need this procedure? A second opinion is always welcome.