Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF)

There are several obvious advantages to oblique lumbar interbody fusion. Some of the most common advantages include:

• Lack of disruption to the back: Possibly the most significant advantage of OLIF is that the muscles are not cut during the procedure, so the strength of the back is preserved.   
• Decreased postoperative pain: With a minimally-invasive procedure, there is less recovery pain, and the length of recovery time is decreased as well. With the preservation of muscles and ligaments, as well as less surgical interruption, the pain substantially decreases over that of traditional surgery.
• Less time in surgery and in the hospital: With pain after the procedure reduced and the procedure being less invasive, the time spent in surgery and in the hospital recovering is substantially reduced. 

Also, there is much less risk of bleeding and blood clots. If you think you might benefit from OLIF, reach out to your medical provider today to see what your treatment options are.

What Conditions Are Treated by Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Spine Surgery?

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion spine surgery can be a treatment option for several issues that result in lumbar spine pain. Some of the conditions include:

• Abnormal curvature of the spine
• Fractured or collapsed vertebrae
• Bulging lumbar discs
• Displaced vertebrae
• Lumbar spondylolisthesis
• Spine instability

There are other conditions that may also benefit from OLIF, and it’s best to consult with one of our passionate patient advocates at NJ Spine & Orthopedic to see how we can get you the treatment you need.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion Spine Surgery?

If you suffer from lower back pain and have not responded to traditional, conservative treatments, OLIF may be an option for you. Severe pain and a disrupted quality of life are indications that surgery may be the next step. Also, if you suffer from herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, or scoliosis, you may be a good candidate for oblique lumbar interbody fusion spine surgery.  

The surgeon starts by making a very small incision in the skin on the patient’s side. Using small tools, they can create a very narrow passageway and therefore avoid cutting or destroying underlying soft tissue and muscle. A small surgical port allows access to the damaged disc, and the affected area is repaired by doing a bone graft, either using the patient’s bone or a synthetic bone. A support structure is used to connect the disc to the one beneath it.  

Oblique lumbar interbody fusion may not be right for everyone. However, if you have pain in the lumbar region of your spine and traditional and conventional treatments have been unable to give you relief from your pain, OLIF may help you. If you are tired of suffering from degenerative disc disease, bulging or herniated discs, or painful curvature of the spine, discuss treatment options with one of the surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic as soon as possible.

NJ Spine & Orthopedic Has Experienced Surgeons to Relieve Your Lumbar Pain

If you are experiencing lumbar back pain, consider oblique lumbar interbody fusion spinal surgery. Our experienced surgeons use the latest techniques and technology to perform minimally-invasive surgical procedures. We work hard to relieve your back pain and get you on the road to recovery. Our goal is to make every possible effort to provide the best care for our patients, keeping them safe and comfortable.

If lumbar pain has you down, call NJ Spine & Orthopedic today at (866) 553-0612 or fill out our online form to set up an appointment to discuss your treatment options at a free consultation. Our Concierge Team can help you coordinate all aspects of your appointment as well.