Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Is a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)?
A lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a minimally invasive spinal fusion procedure that accesses the spine from the side of the body rather than the front or back, allowing surgeons to fuse vertebrae with less muscle disruption, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery compared to traditional approaches.
Also known as an extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF), this minimally invasive surgical procedure is performed to alleviate pain and help stabilize the lower spine. This spinal fusion procedure involves accessing the spine from the side of your body rather than an anterior or posterior approach. Similar to other spinal fusions, a lateral lumbar interbody fusion involves fusing two or more intervertebral disc levels to prevent movement between them.
At NeuroSpine Plus, Dr. Scheid has considerable experience performing this surgery, improving the mobility and spinal health of many patients across New Jersey. To learn if you qualify for a lateral lumbar interbody fusion, call our office for a consultation at (201) 399-3388.
What Conditions Are Treated With a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)?
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is an effective treatment option for various prevalent conditions causing low back pain and/or radiating leg pain. A lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) may be recommended if you have:
- Debilitating spinal pain
- Spinal nerve compression
- Myelopathy
- Spinal stenosis
- Radiculopath
- Leg weakness
- Leg pain
- Sciatica
- Herniated disc
- Prior lumbar fusion
- Neurogenic claudication
- Spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative disc disease
If you believe you may be a candidate for a lateral lumbar interbody fusion, contact our office today to book your consultation at (201) 399-3388.
How Is a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) Performed?
On the day of surgery, you will be given general anesthesia by a trained anesthesiologist. You will be completely asleep before the procedure begins. Depending on pathology and surgical discussion, this procedure may take 1-2 hours. After you are asleep, you are carefully positioned onto your side and secured into place on the surgical table.
- A small incision(s) is made on your side
- With advanced retraction instrumentation, your musculature will be gently moved to access the spine from a lateral position
- The affected disc(s) are removed with instrumentation, and the affected nerve roots are freed from any bone spurs or compressing disc fragments
- A surgical disc spacer, also known as an interbody or cage, is then inserted into the space where your disc used to be and secured
- An X-ray will then be taken to ensure the implant is properly positioned before the incisions are closed
- The incision(s) will be closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures and covered with a dry, sterile dressing
If advised by your surgeon, you will wear a supportive lumbar brace following surgery. Over time, the levels operated on will fuse, or grow together, like one continuous bony structure.
What to Expect Following a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF)
Your postoperative healing progress will be closely overseen by our team of providers, ensuring a routine recovery. A member of our team will contact you within the first 48 hours of your procedure to monitor your progress. Your initial post-operative appointment will be scheduled within two weeks of your surgical date. A member of our team is always available to answer questions or address your concerns during your recovery period.
General postoperative recommendations include, but are not limited to, using postoperative pain medications as prescribed, taking over-the-counter Tylenol for pain, advancing your diet as tolerated as discussed with your team while ensuring regular bowel movements, avoiding bending, twisting, and lifting, not lifting greater than 10 pounds, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments, avoiding NSAIDs until cleared by your surgeon (Advil, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, etc.), and following incision care instructions to include washing your incision with gentle antibacterial soap 48 hours after your procedure. No scrubbing, submerging, or soaking the incision(s). No lotions, creams, oils, or ointments atop the incision(s).
You will likely stay at least one night in the hospital following your surgery. You may be fitted for a lumbar brace either before your surgery or immediately following your surgery. You may begin walking with assistance on the night of surgery.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we encourage an active recovery, with many patients walking up to two miles within the first two weeks following their procedure.
When to Contact Your Doctor's Office Following a Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
If you have concerns during your postoperative period, including, but not limited to, the following: high fever greater than 100.4°F, change in urinary or bowel habits, swelling or discoloration of one or both calves, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, incisional compromise, or loss of strength in your arms or legs.
If you have a question regarding your initial postoperative period, a member of our team is always available to answer and address your concerns at 201-399-3388.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) FAQs
You may be a candidate for LLIF if you have conditions such as spinal nerve compression, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disc disease not responding to conservative treatments. Patients with prior lumbar fusion, leg pain, weakness, or sciatica might also benefit. Dr. Scheid will evaluate your condition during your consultation.
Benefits often include smaller incisions, less blood loss, reduced muscle damage, shorter hospital stays, less postoperative pain, and quicker recovery times. The lateral approach also allows better access to place larger implants, which can provide superior structural support.
The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on your condition and how many disc levels need to be addressed. This does not include preparation and recovery time from anesthesia.
Yes, most patients stay at least one night in the hospital for monitoring after LLIF surgery. Your hospital stay duration will depend on your progress and medical needs.
While everyone experiences pain differently, most patients experience moderate discomfort after surgery that can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Many patients report less pain than with traditional open fusion procedures. At NeuroSpine Plus, we’ll create a comprehensive pain management plan for your recovery.
Return to work timing varies based on your job requirements. Patients with desk jobs may return within 2-4 weeks, while those with physically demanding occupations might need 8-12 weeks. Dr. Scheid will provide personalized guidance based on your situation and recovery progress.
Many LLIF patients are fitted for a supportive lumbar brace either before or immediately after surgery. Your surgeon will determine if this is necessary for your case and will advise how long you should wear it.
Most patients begin walking with assistance on the night of surgery. At NeuroSpine Plus, we encourage an active recovery, with many patients walking up to two miles within the first two weeks following their procedure.
Initial restrictions include avoiding bending, twisting, and lifting more than 10 pounds. You should also avoid smoking, alcohol, and NSAIDs until cleared by your surgeon. These restrictions help ensure proper healing and fusion.
LLIF procedures have a high success rate when performed by experienced surgeons like Dr. Scheid. Success is measured by pain relief, improved function, and successful fusion of the vertebrae. Your outcome will depend on your condition, overall health, and adherence to recovery guidelines.
Complete fusion of the vertebrae typically takes 6-12 months. Your surgeon will monitor your progress with follow-up X-rays or other imaging studies to confirm successful fusion.
While rare under the care of board-certified neurosurgeons at NeuroSpine Plus, potential complications may include infection, nerve damage, implant failure, or pseudarthrosis (failed fusion). All surgical risks will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation.
While many patients experience significant pain relief, results vary. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further deterioration. Some patients achieve complete pain relief, while others experience substantial improvement but not complete resolution.
The recovery time for a lateral lumbar interbody fusion can vary based on your age, preoperative spinal condition, and medical comorbidities. Our neurosurgeons will discuss all risks, benefits, surgical details, and concerns with you prior to scheduling your procedure.
All surgical procedures have an inherent level of risk associated with them. With the LLIF procedure performed by our board-certified neurosurgeons, the risks are rare. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing any surgery at NeuroSpine Plus are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure.
If you believe you may be a candidate for an LLIF procedure, call our office today to book your consultation at 201-399-3388 or contact us online.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across eight convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical experience in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.
Schedule an Appointment
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: March 3, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.