[XLIF--a new technique of the lumbar vertebra disc replacement: initial experience]

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) is a novel technique for the anterior disc replacement. The aim of this report was description of the surgical technique of XLIF. Based on our experience with first eleven patients we report advantages and drawbacks of this method. Patients who presented with symptomatic degenerative disc disease or failed back surgery syndrome were considered candidates for this surgery. The patient was placed in a true right lateral decubitus position and small (6 cm) left lateral skin incision was performed. Access to the lumbar spine was achieved by approach that passes through the retroperitoneally fat and psoas major muscle, using peroperative fluoroscopy. Expandable retractor was inserted, discectomy and replacement by Oracle (Synthes, USA) cage (with synthetic cancellous bone graft) to the interbody space was performed. XLIF represents save surgical method with maximally careful approach and spacious working portal. The new benefit of XLIF is based on the minimally invasive spine surgery technique through retroperitoneal space. The lateral access to the disc avoids the major vessels and nerves and implant placement in the anterior and bilateral position provides sagital and coronal plane imbalance correction.