Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion (AxiaLIF^®)

AxiaLIF stands for Axial Lumbar Interbody Fusion - a new, alternative approach to traditional fusion procedures.

The surgeon accesses your low back through a 1-inch incision next to your tailbone. The center of the diseased disc is removed, and bone growth material is inserted in its place. This material helps stimulate bone growth over time in order to fuse. The AxiaLIF implant is inserted to distract the two vertebrae, meaning that any height lost from Degenerative Disc Disease is restored to its original, healthy disc height.

Your physician may or may not add posterior hardware for further stabilization of your spine after the AxiaLIF procedure has been performed.

The procedure is minimally invasive, so the scars are very small and the procedure carries less risks than a traditional open surgery. AxiaLIF does not cut through important tissue or nerves; therefore, the healing process is quicker and there is less post-operative pain commonly associated with traditional fusion surgery. The AxiaLIF procedure time is typically 45 minutes and patients have been released from the hospital in as little as 24 hours, returning to work in as little as 15 days.