AxiaLIF

(Trans-axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

As with any operative procedure the consequences of surgery include the manipulation and trauma of tissues necessary to get the job done.  An AxiaLIF is a minimally invasive technique used when a fusion of the lowest part of the lumbar spine (L5-S1) is considered.  It is an innovative technique that is very new in spine surgery.  The basic improvement is the ability to stabilize this region without manipulation of the back muscles.  It also allows us to reestablish the height of the disc space, and at the same time stabilize it.  This procedure has been very successful and well tolerated by the patients.  The patients are on their feet immediately and return to full activities is less than conventional techniques.

The AxiaLIF is often associated with an additional stabilizing procedure directly to the back.  This often involves minimally invasive placement of two screws on one side of the spine to reinforce the axial screw. 

How AxiaLIF is performed? The surgeon accesses your low back through a 1-inch incision next to your tailbone.  The center of the diseased disc is removed, and bone growth material is inserted in its place.  This material helps stimulate bone growth, over time, in order to "fuse," the disc. The AxiaLIF implant is inserted to distract the two vertebrae, meaning that height lost from Degenerative Disc Disease is restored to its original, healthy disc height.  Your physician may or may not add posterior hardware for further stabilization of your spine after the AxiaLIF procedure has been performed.

What About Recovery?

The procedure is minimally invasive, so the scars are very small and the procedure carries less risk than a traditional "open" surgery.  AxiaLIF does not cut through important tissue or nerves; therefore, the healing process is quicker and there is less post- operative pain commonly associated with traditional fusion surgery. 

The AxiaLIF procedure time is about 45 minutes on average, and patients have been released from the hospital in as little as 24 hours, returning to work in as little as 15 days.

Summary of Benefits

• Shorten OR times
• Minimal blood loss
• Reduced length of hospital stay
• Rapid return to normal activities
• Allows for re-establishment of normal disc height
• Immediate rigid stabilization of the spine
• Approximately 90% bone fusion rate at one year
• Completely sparing all muscle dissection
• Preserves all other surgical options and approaches if needed at a later time

Post-Operative

Printed post-operative instructions will be provided at discharge, as well as follow-up appointments.