Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Seattle

What is Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF)?

The oblique muscles are found at the sides of the abdomen over the ribcage. Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF) is a surgical procedure where the surgeon accesses the disc space from the patient’s side.

The procedure is used to treat lumbar spine conditions. Unlike traditional open spinal surgery, which requires large incisions and significant muscle dissection, OLIF is performed using specialized instruments through small incisions, minimizing tissue damage and reducing recovery time.

To see if Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion (OLIF) is an option for you, contact spine specialist Edward Jung, MD, MS to schedule an appointment in Seattle. Give us a call at (206) 860-5578 today to get started, or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Spinal Conditions

You may be a candidate for OLIF if you have:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Fractures to the vertebrae
• Spinal deformities
• Spinal weakness
• Spinal instability
• Infections or tumors of the spine
• Vertebra slipping forward on top of another (Spondylolisthesis)

Goals of Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion aims to:

• Reduce blood loss
• Have less scar tissue
• Provide shorter recovery times
• Deliver better outcomes
• Achieve high fusion rates
• Deliver long-term stability
• Provide pain symptom relief

How Does OLIF Work?

The oblique approach allows for better visualization and access to the intervertebral disc space while minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

It minimizes cutting to muscles and uses a single port to access the disc space.

Wat to Expect During OLIF

Before surgery, you will talk with Dr. Jung about your symptoms and undergo a thorough evaluation. You may need imaging or a physical exam to see the spine and nerves involved.

You will have general anesthesia and your surgeon will place you on your side. A small incision is made on the side of the abdomen. Using guidance, the surgeon accesses the targeted disc space between the lumbar vertebrae on the back.

The surgeon removes the damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc, along with any bone spurs or other tissue causing spinal compression. A bone graft or interbody cage filled with bone graft material is then inserted into the empty disc space to promote fusion between the adjacent vertebrae.

It may also require metal implants to stabilize the spine while fusion occurs. The surgeon will then close the incision and you will be monitored during recovery.

You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days to help manage pain. You may also need physical therapy after surgery to help regain movement and improve your strength and flexibility.

Sources

Understanding Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) Surgery

OLIF Surgery