A Radiographic Assessment of the Ability of the Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Procedure to Indirectly Decompress the Neural Elements

Abstract

The XLIF procedure provides the necessary decompression for the treatment of central and/orlateral stenosis in a minimally disruptive way, avoiding, in most cases, the need for the direct resection of posterior elements and associated morbidities. Indirect decompression may be limited in cases of congenital stenosis and/or locked facets. Its effect may also be reduced by postoperative subsidence and/or loss of correction.