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OLIF (Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion) surgery is performed under general anesthesia in an operating room setting.
Initially, the problematic vertebrae are identified and marked on the patient's anterior abdominal wall.
Guided by fluoroscopy, an imaging device, an incision of approximately 5 cm is made to access the target vertebrae. If multiple vertebrae are affected, the incision length may be increased, or multiple incisions may be required.
The OLIF procedure involves an anterior approach to the spine. Retractors are carefully placed to protect surrounding organs, such as the intestines and nerves, during access to the vertebrae.
Spinal discs, located between vertebral bodies, function as cushions. In this surgery, the anterior portions of these discs are removed (cleared). This disc removal, performed under fluoroscopic guidance, fully exposes the bony vertebral surfaces.
After exposing the vertebral bone surfaces, a spacious interbody cage is inserted between the two vertebrae. These cages, typically made of titanium or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), can be circular or rectangular. Bone graft material is also placed within the cage to promote fusion between the two vertebral bodies.
Following this anterior procedure, the patient is repositioned, and a posterior spinal instrumentation (screws and rods) is performed. If posterior nerve decompression is not required, the screw fixation can be achieved using minimally invasive techniques.
How is OLIF surgery performed?
Initially, the problematic vertebrae are identified and marked on the patient's anterior abdominal wall.
Guided by fluoroscopy, an imaging device, an incision of approximately 5 cm is made to access the target vertebrae. If multiple vertebrae are affected, the incision length may be increased, or multiple incisions may be required.
The OLIF procedure involves an anterior approach to the spine. Retractors are carefully placed to protect surrounding organs, such as the intestines and nerves, during access to the vertebrae.
Spinal discs, located between vertebral bodies, function as cushions. In this surgery, the anterior portions of these discs are removed (cleared). This disc removal, performed under fluoroscopic guidance, fully exposes the bony vertebral surfaces.
After exposing the vertebral bone surfaces, a spacious interbody cage is inserted between the two vertebrae. These cages, typically made of titanium or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), can be circular or rectangular. Bone graft material is also placed within the cage to promote fusion between the two vertebral bodies.
Following this anterior procedure, the patient is repositioned, and a posterior spinal instrumentation (screws and rods) is performed. If posterior nerve decompression is not required, the screw fixation can be achieved using minimally invasive techniques.