Lower back · Fusion
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
A minimally invasive lumbar fusion performed from the side of the body, avoiding the back muscles and the abdomen.
Overview
What is Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion?
In a lateral lumbar interbody fusion, the spine is reached through small incisions on the side of the body. With nerve monitoring guiding the way, the damaged disc is removed and a wide spacer is placed across the disc space.
The wide spacer helps restore disc height and alignment, which can also indirectly relieve pressure on nerves.
Conditions it may treat
Medicare, PPO, private insurance, workers’ comp & cash accepted →
How it works
The procedure, step by step
Step 1
Positioning
You lie on your side while imaging guides small incisions.
Step 2
Safe access
Nerve monitoring helps protect nerves along the approach.
Step 3
Spacer & graft
The disc is removed and a wide spacer with bone graft is placed.
Step 4
Fusion
The vertebrae heal together; supplemental screws may be added.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Less disruption.
A quicker return to life.
LLIF is a minimally invasive approach — small incisions on the side of the body that avoid the back muscles.
Conservative first
A Conservative Approach to Spine Care
Dr. Record believes that surgery is not necessarily the first step for every patient. Whenever appropriate, she works with patients to explore non-operative and conservative treatment options first.
When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief — or when a patient would like to understand whether surgery may be appropriate — Dr. Record provides a comprehensive discussion of available surgical options.
Her goal is to identify the treatment approach that can help alleviate pain, restore function, and help patients return to the activities that matter to them.
FAQ
Questions about Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Don’t see your question? Call (213) 876-8670.
Why might my thigh feel sore or numb afterward?
The approach passes near nerves in the muscles along the side of the spine. Temporary thigh or hip symptoms can occur and typically improve with time.
Which levels can LLIF treat?
It is typically used for upper and middle lumbar levels; the lowest level is usually treated another way.
Will I have imaging done at the office?
No. There are no X-rays in-house. When needed, Dr. Record orders X-rays, MRI, CT scans, nerve testing or lab work through outside facilities and reviews the results with you.
Will my insurance cover this procedure?
Dr. Record accepts Medicare, workers’ compensation, PPO plans and a variety of private insurance plans, plus cash payments. Many procedures need pre-authorization — our team will help check your coverage before surgery.
A minimally invasive path to stability
See if a lateral lumbar interbody fusion is right for you.