Details.
A minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure, also known as Direct Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, XLIF or OLIF. It is indicated for discogenic low back pain, scoliosis, nerve impingement causing leg pain, slipped vertebra and spinal cancer. The procedure uses x-ray guidance and neural monitoring, removes the affected disc, inserts a titanium cage with bone graft, and may include screws to stabilise the spine. Hospital stay is usually 5 to 10 days. Walking and physiotherapy are encouraged from the day after surgery. Patients can lift up to 5 kg initially, may find bending difficult for 3 to 4 weeks, can drive after 4 to 6 weeks depending on how they feel, and are reviewed after 4 to 8 weeks.
