OLLIF - Oblique Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

OLLIF is a surgical procedure for spinal conditions that helps relieve pain while preserving motion. Since it requires only minimal cutting, it is often chosen over more invasive options.

This procedure is recommended for treating abnormal spine curvature, fractured vertebrae, bulging discs, spinal instability, and spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae).

In this article, we’ll explore the conditions that can be treated with OLLIF, the potential risks of the procedure, recovery details, and more. If you experience back discomfort, always consult a doctor. A proper diagnosis and the right treatment are essential for managing and relieving back pain.

OLLIF Explanation

OLLIF Procedure Overview

What Is OLLIF?

OLLIF stands for oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion. It refers to the angle used by the surgeon to access the spine through a posterolateral approach, entering from the back and slightly to the side of the vertebrae.

This procedure is recommended for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments. It is most often used for those with degenerative disc disease, disc herniations, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or scoliosis.

OLLIF can be used to treat these conditions:

• Bulging Disc
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Disc Tear
• Failed Back & Neck Surgery
• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Foraminal Stenosis

OLLIF Recovery

Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the side of your abdomen and separates soft tissues to reach the lumbar spine. Later, the surgeon removes the damaged vertebral bone or intervertebral disc. Instead of the damaged tissue, some bone graft or a suitable spacer is inserted to allow bones to fuse. After this, soft tissue is placed back, and the incision is closed.

The recovery is quite fast, as patients only need to stay in the hospital for a couple of days and can return to work in about a month. After the procedure, patients get prescribed pain medications and a brace to support their back.

To speed up the healing process, treatment options can be combined, and physical therapy can be added to pain medications. Such therapy can help restore movement and strength after the procedure.

OLLIF Risks

Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion carries fewer risks compared to many other surgical options, but some risks still need to be considered before choosing this treatment.

Potential complications include damage to soft tissues or nerves, particularly if the procedure must be converted into an open surgery, which carries higher risks. Another possible concern is procedural failure, where the surgery is completed but does not provide sufficient pain relief.

OLLIF Benefits

While OLLIF does carry some risks, the benefits are far greater.

One of the key advantages is that the procedure takes less time than many other spine surgeries, meaning patients require less anesthesia and face a lower risk of blood clots. The likelihood of nerve damage and bleeding is also significantly reduced.

Since OLLIF is minimally invasive and involves only a small incision, patients can return home sooner. The procedure avoids excessive cutting of muscles and soft tissue, which not only speeds recovery but also lowers the risk of wound infection.

Additionally, OLLIF does not involve neuromonitoring, bone removal, or significant radiation exposure, making it a safer and less demanding option overall.

OLLIF Complications

Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion is associated with some complications, just as any other surgery. OLLIF can end up in bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and some bowel and bladder troubles.

But while more invasive procedures involve loss of back strength, OLLIF is performed without major muscle mass loss, so it preserves the strength of the back.