XLIF (Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

An XLIF — lateral lumbar interbody fusion — reaches the lumbar disc from the side of the body rather than the back, allowing a large, stabilizing cage to be placed while sparing the back muscles. For suitable levels, it restores disc height and alignment with minimal disruption.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

How an XLIF Works

Procedure Overview

XLIF approaches the lumbar spine from the side of the body, passing between the muscles to reach the disc without disturbing the back muscles or reopening the spinal canal from behind. The damaged disc is removed and a wide interbody cage is placed, which restores disc height, indirectly decompresses the nerves, and corrects alignment. It's often paired with screws for added stability.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

XLIF is considered for degenerative disc disease, certain cases of spondylolisthesis, and some deformity or stenosis at suitable lumbar levels — when a lateral approach is anatomically appropriate. Not every level or patient is a candidate (the lowest lumbar level, for example, is often better approached differently). A careful evaluation determines whether XLIF or another approach fits you best.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

For well-selected levels, XLIF restores alignment and stability effectively while sparing the back muscles, often with a smooth recovery. Some patients notice temporary thigh numbness or weakness from the approach that typically resolves. We discuss realistic, individualized expectations and candidacy.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision on the side of the body and passes carefully between the muscles, using nerve monitoring, to reach the disc. The disc is removed and a wide cage is placed to restore height and alignment. Screws may be added for stability. The back muscles are left undisturbed.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques typically mean a smaller incision, less blood loss, less pain, and a faster recovery than equivalent open surgery. Not every case is a candidate for MIS — we'll tell you honestly when an open approach is safer.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

XLIF: Frequently Asked Questions