Some patients have degenerative problems at the upper lumbar levels, such as L1-2, L2-3, or L3-4. A minimally invasive approach to these levels is called the Lateral Lumbar Interbody fusion. Lateral means the surgical approach is from the side of the patient. A 1 or 2-inch incision is made (depending on how many levels are to be fused) , and the cage is placed across the disk space to create the fusion. Usually, screws and rods are placed in the spine at the same time to gain immediate stability. Postoperative pain is greatly reduced due to the minimally invasive nature of the surgery. Hospital stay in younger, healthy patients is usually overnight. Below is an x-ray of a patient with a lateral lumbar cage placed, together with rods and screws.
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