Richard A. Hynes, MD and Joseph A. Wasselle, MD
The OLIF25 procedure leverages traditional ALIF principles with the in-situ convenience of the less invasive lateral approach. The procedure is referred to as oblique lateral interbody fusion for L2–L5. Utilizing an oblique lateral trajectory away from the posterior nerves within the psoas muscle, this procedure is an alternative to approaches dependent on neuromonitoring to traverse the psoas muscle. In addition, the OLIF25 procedure allows for easier access around the iliac crest at L4–L5, and it is a step towards more reproducible lateral access to the L5–S1 disc space.
“The OLIF25 procedure combines the advantages of the historical open retroperitoneal approach to the anterior spine with the minimally invasive access benefits from more recent lateral techniques,” said Richard Hynes, spine surgeon at The B.A.C.K. Center, Melbourne, USA. “By utilizing an oblique lateral approach to the spine, this procedure enables placement of a large interbody graft into the disc space for anterior column support and segmental sagittal alignment while minimizing the nerve, muscle, and bone obstacles associated with traditional direct lateral approaches.”
The OLIF25 procedure may also be used with surgical navigation and imaging systems. This allows for decreased exposure to radiation for hospital staff and physicians, and provides intraoperative assessment of the approach and device placement. Traditional posterior fusion techniques require the dissection and retraction of back muscles, bones, vessels, ligaments, and nerves; whereas traditional anterior approaches through the abdominal musculature risk injury to major vascular structures such as the aorta and iliac vessels, as well as the very delicate genitourinary structures. The lateral transpsoas approach enables the means to reproducibly address spinal pathology from the side of the patient, (utilizing novel dynamic real-time nerve localizing and monitoring techniques, thus minimizing surrounding tissue trauma and maximizing safety and efficacy.
Specifications
- Total Run Time: 25:43 minutes
- Catalog Number: 8030
- VJO Publication Date: November, 2013