What is AxiaLIF?

AxiaLIF stands for Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion – a new, alternative approach to
traditional fusion procedures.

How AxiaLIF is Performed

The surgeon accesses your lower back through an approximately 1-inch incision next
to your tailbone. The center of the degenerated disc is removed, and bone growth
material is inserted in its place. This material helps bone growth over time in order to
“fuse” the spine.

The AxiaLIF implant is inserted to stabilize the vertebrae while fusion is occurring.
During insertion, your surgeon can restore disc height and alignment. Your physician
will add posterior implants for further stabilization of your spine after the AxiaLIF
procedure has been performed.

Click below to view the AxiaLIF 1L+ Procedure Animation

Click below to view the AxiaLIF 2L+ Procedure Animation

Open Surgical Approaches

ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) *Traditionally an open procedure
ALIF is a procedure that has been used traditionally for lumbar spinal fusions. The surgeon enters through the abdomen to access the lower portion of the spine. The risks associated with this approach are significant if the patient has had multiple abdominal procedures in the past which could have caused scarring and damage. As commonly referenced in medical literature, this approach carries risk of damaging blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs.

PLIF (Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
PLIF is traditionally an “open” surgery, in which back muscles are moved out of the way in order to perform the procedure. Because these muscles are being pulled from their attachments to the spine, the surgery can cause pain and scarring.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery, or MIS, may offer the following possible benefits:

• Minimal blood loss
• Less post-operative pain
• Improved recovery times
• Potentially shorter hospital stay
• Potentially less pain medication required

All surgeries, open or minimally invasive, have some degree of risk and/or complications. Your surgeon will work with you to discuss these risks and determine the best treatment for you.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches

AxiaLIF (Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion)^1,2
The AxiaLIF approach was developed to allow the surgeon to access the lumbar spine with minimal risk of damaging vital nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. The access occurs via the presacral region near the tailbone. As with all surgical approaches, there are risks. Some of the risks with AxiaLIF include bowel perforation, infection, and hematoma. There are other risks as well; you should discuss these with your surgeon in detail.
Click here for additional AxiaLIF patient safety information >>

TLIF (Transforminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion)
TLIF procedures are performed in a similar manner to PLIF procedures, except the surgeon accesses the spine through a small incision slightly to the left or right of the center of the patient’s back. After reaching the spine, the surgeon removes a portion of the facet joint and navigates through the foramen to gain access to the disc space. Complications associated with TLIF procedures are similar to those found in PLIF procedures.