Lateral Approaches for the Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2019 Jul;30(3):313-322. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.02.005.

Abstract

Spondylolisthesis is a common cause of lower back pain in people of all ages. When nonsurgical management is unsuccessful in treatment for lumbar spondylolisthesis, surgical treatment algorithms can be used. This article focuses on lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF). It represents a minimally invasive approach that affords surgeons an increased ability to restore disc height, indirectly decompress the neural elements, and affect global spinal alignment. As the role for circumferential minimally invasive spine surgery continues to expand, the use of LLIF in the setting of spondylolisthesis-and other pathologies-will continue to represent a robust fusion option.

Keywords: Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF); Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF); Lumbar DDD; MIS; Spondylolisthesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / diagnostic imaging
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / surgery*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Spinal Fusion / methods
  • Spondylolisthesis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylolisthesis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome*