Skip to content Skip to footer

Lumbar spine stabilization with OLIF procedure

Lumbar spine stabilization with OLIF procedure can help reduce the patient’s complaints and improve the quality of life.

The intervention can stabilize the spine and, if necessary, release the nerve parts under pressure (nerve roots, cauda fibers), and if necessary, it also provides an opportunity to correct the curvature of the spine. The purpose of stabilization is for the connected vertebrae to ossify, i.e. fuse.

Book an appointment!

Our colleagues are happy to hlep!

Send us a message!

Our colleagues answer every question!

Spinal stabilization surgery performed with the OLIF (Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion) procedure differs from the TLIF procedure in terms that while in case of the latter, the spacer is inserted from behind and the nerve roots can be released under direct visualization, in the case of OLIF, the spacer is implanted from an incision made in the anterior lateral part of the abdomen, approaching the spine behind the abdominal cavity, and the nerve roots are released indirectly, as a result of the vertebrae being raised with the spacer.

In case of what diseases can lumbar spine stabilization with the OLIF procedure help?

Spinal instability

Spinal instability basically means abnormal excessive movement between the vertebrae but it also includes those conditions in which there is no visible excessive movement, but based on the complaints and radiological images, it appears that the connection between two vertebrae is not completely stable. These include cases where the patient undergoes spinal surgery to fuse the vertebrae, but they do not fuse, but a pseudoarthrosis is formed between the two vertebrae, meaning that the spinal segment does not become stable after the surgery. It is also important to mention vertebral slip, which is not necessarily accompanied by abnormal movement of the slipped vertebra but can still be a source of pain and therefore may require stabilization.

Damage to the connection between the lumbar vertebrae

The discs, small joints, and ligament system that provide the connection between the lumbar vertebrae might become weakened or damaged, which may require stabilization of the lumbar spine. Lumbar spine stabilization performed with the OLIF procedure can help reduce the patient’s complaints and improve their quality of life.

Lumbar spinal curvature disorder

This technique can be particularly beneficial for correcting lumbar spinal curvature disorder that can be observed from the side or from the front.

How does the disease develop?

Spinal instability is usually caused by wear and tear, but congenital deformity can be behind it as well.

These can cause back pain, and if the aforementioned changes are accompanied by narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root canals, the compressed nerve roots or the function of the caudal fibers originating from the end of the spinal cord may be impaired.

What are the symptoms?

The following complaints are worth paying attention to:

  • local pain (back pain, pain extending to the pelvis)
  • lower limb numbness, loss of sensation
  • radiating pain to the lower limbs
  • urination and defecation problems
  • impotence in men
  • perineal sensory disturbance

If the nerve root is compressed, it can cause sensory disturbance, numbness or pain in its supply area, in severe cases, the strength of the muscles supplied by the nerve root may decrease, or even paralysis may occur.

The sphincters of the bladder and rectum can also weaken, which can lead to urination and bowel problems, and in men, impotence.

How can spinal instability and damage to the connection between the lumbar vertebrae be treated?

Lumbar spine stabilization can be done conservatively (non-surgically), with the use of physiotherapy, therapeutic massage, electrotherapy, medication, spinal care, acupuncture, balneotherapy, manual therapy.

If spinal canal stenosis also exists and is associated with urinary and defecation disorders or a significant decrease in muscle strength, then only surgery is an option.

When is surgery necessary?

Surgery is rarely necessary. If your symptoms do not improve within several months or do not respond to conservative treatments, your doctor may offer the option of surgery.

Lumbar spine stabilization with the OLIF procedure can permanently fix the spine, which can result in the elimination of abnormal movements and the release of pinched nerve parts. If abnormal movements cease, local pain can be reduced, and other symptoms can be expected to improve with the release of nerve parts.

What happens during the OLIF lumbar spine stabilization procedure?

During the OLIF procedure, a spacer is inserted in place of the disc removed from the vertebrae, and the surgeon inserts screws into the affected vertebrae from behind. The screws inserted into the vertebrae are connected with rods, which stabilizes the spine.

Spinal stabilization surgery performed with the OLIF procedure differs from the TLIF procedure in terms that while in case of the latter, the spacer is inserted from behind and the nerve roots can be released under direct visualization, in the case of OLIF, the spacer is implanted from an incision made in the anterior lateral part of the abdomen, approaching the spine behind the abdominal cavity, and the nerve roots are released indirectly, as a result of the vertebrae being raised with the spacer.

After that, in the same way as in the TLIF procedure, screws are inserted into the vertebrae through mini-incisions made on both sides of the spine, in the back, without separating the muscles. The screws are connected to a rod on each side.

olif_mutet_metszes_ENG

During the surgery, the doctor leaves a thin tube behind, which helps to drain any blood that may still be leaking from the wound after it is closed.

During the specialist consultation, when planning the surgery, the implants are discussed with the patient.

The new implants are MRI compatible, therefore any examination can be performed with them in the body later. The implants are not removed later, and it is not typical for someone to be allergic to them.

What are the risks of surgery?

Even with the most careful surgical procedure, complications can occur. The risk may be higher in cases of previously operated spine.

Damage to the compressed nerve root or nerve fiber may occur (which does not necessarily cause symptoms or permanent damage). If the nerve part is damaged, then sensory disturbances, decreased muscle strength, and in severe cases paralysis may occur in the area it supplies. Another complication that may occur during surgery may be damage to the dural sac, which may cause meningitis or wound healing disorders, possibly requiring another surgery. The large blood vessels in front of the spine may also be damaged during surgery, but the chance of this is very small. Urinary and defecation disorders may occur, and in men, potency disorders. Another complication might be blood clotting, which can lead to thrombosis. After the surgery, a pseudo-joint can develop, which may also require another surgery.

During the surgery, the function of the partially separated hip flexor muscle and the nerves alongside it may be damaged, resulting in temporary or permanent dysfunction. The abdominal wall muscles may weaken, which can cause an abdominal hernia.

olif_gerincstabilizacio-700x500-1_ENG

What to expect after the surgery?

If there are no complications, the patient is able to walk the day after the surgery. Regular physiotherapy is required after the surgery, which begins the day after the surgery. The drain tube is also removed the day after the surgery.

If there are still no problems, the patient can return home within 2-4 days. The sutures are removed 1-2 weeks after the surgery, during which time it is not advisable for the wound to come into contact with water.

In general, it can be said that after surgery, you can return to a sedentary job after 6-12 weeks, and to a physical job after a longer period (up to 6 months). The success of the surgery and the final condition can usually be evaluated after 1 year after the intervention.

What can happen if left untreated?

If the recommended surgery is not performed, the patient’s lower back pain may persist or even increase, and in addition, the compression or tightness of the nerve root or cauda fiber may result in lower limb pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, or persistent urination and defecation disorders. If the patient had nerve root or cauda fiber compression, but did not cause symptoms before, the symptoms listed above may develop.

What does the price of the lumbar spine stabilization OLIF surgery at Medicover Hospital include?

Lumbar spine stabilization with the OLIF procedure includes the cost of the surgery, as well as the cost of the hospital stay and follow-up examinations after the surgery.

The implant is determined by the specialist performing the surgery during the consultation, depending on the case. The price indicated on the site may vary depending on this.

The fee for the preliminary specialist consultation and the pre-operative examinations are not part of the cost of the surgery; please contact our Customer Service for information about their costs.

Mit foglal magában az ágyéki gerincstabilizáló OLIF műtét ára a Medicover Kórházban?

Convenience services

We accommodate our clients in modern, pleasant, air-conditioned single rooms. Each room has its own bathroom, refrigerator and television, and free WIFI access is also available. We provide our clients with individual nurse supervision, who will assist you in your ongoing recovery during your stay.

Üzenjen nekünk!

close-link