What Is OLIF Surgery and Why Should You Care?

When back pain or leg pain persists and disrupts your everyday life, searching for safe, effective solutions feels like a journey. You might have heard of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) surgery. OLIF is a surgical procedure that is designed for “long-term relief and stability” of the spine. If you are contemplating OLIF surgery, or just want to learn more about this new spinal procedure, you are in the right place. Let's discuss OLIF surgery; the advantages of OLIF; the OLIF spine surgery procedure itself; and the recovery, and we will do this in layman's terms. Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion (OLIF) is a spinal fusion surgery that works in the lumbar (lower) spine. Traditional spinal fusion surgeries often require significant disruption and cutting of back muscles, bones and manipulation of spinal nerves. OLIF surgery uses a different approach: the surgeon gains access to the spine through a small incision on the left side of the abdomen and carefully moves through intermuscular planes to get to the spine.