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Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion—Outcomes and Complications

  • Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Pathology (HJ Kim and G Mundis, section editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a relatively new, minimally invasive technique for interbody fusion. The goal of this review is to provide a general overview of LLIF with a special focus on outcomes and complications.

Recent Findings

Since the first description of the technique in 2006, the indications for LLIF have expanded and the rate of LLIF procedures performed in the USA has increased. LLIF has several theoretical advantages compared to other approaches including the preservation of the anterior and posterior annular/ligamentous structures, insertion of wide cages resting on the dense apophyseal ring bilaterally, and augmentation of disc height with indirect decompression of neural elements. Favorable long-term outcomes and a reduced risk of visceral/vascular injuries, incidental dural tears, and perioperative infections have been reported. However, approach-related complications such as motor and sensory deficits remain a concern.

Summary

In well-indicated patients, LLIF can be a safe procedure used for a variety of indications.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Correspondence to Alexander P. Hughes.

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Conflict of Interest

Stephan N. Salzmann and Jennifer Shue declare that they have no conflict of interest. Alexander P. Hughes reports grants from MiMedx Group, Inc., grants from NuVasive, personal fees from Altus Spine outside the submitted work.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Pathology

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Salzmann, S.N., Shue, J. & Hughes, A.P. Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion—Outcomes and Complications. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 10, 539–546 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9444-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-017-9444-1

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