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ULIF (Unilateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion)

Sometimes vertebrae shift relative to each other, causing pain and nerve compression. This condition is called instability and can lead to vertebral displacement or slippage — spondylolisthesis.

In cases of vertebral instability, besides removing a herniated disc or widening the spinal canal (using the UBE method), it is necessary to stabilize overly mobile vertebrae. The most reliable method is fixation using percutaneously placed transpedicular screws and a cage (ULIF – Unilateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion).

Percutaneous, minimally invasive transpedicular spinal fixation and cage placement are most often performed for conditions such as:

• Recurrent herniated disc
• Spinal canal stenosis
• Dislocations and vertebral slippage (spondylolisthesis)
• Instability
• Compression and burst fractures of vertebrae
• Vertebral destruction caused by tumors

Why minimally invasive surgeries?

Installing these systems does not require large skin incisions or damage to back muscles. Screws are inserted into the vertebrae through small openings, guided by wires. The screws are connected with a rod, which is also inserted without an incision using a special guide. With minimally invasive transpedicular fixation, blood loss is absent, overall operation time is significantly reduced, and there is no wound infection. In contrast, open surgery often leads to infectious wound complications that may require removal of the fixation hardware.

With percutaneous transpedicular spinal fixation, recovery after surgery usually takes a short period since patients can stand and walk pain-free early in the recovery phase. The absence of blood loss and large incisions ensures a comfortable and rapid return to everyday activity.

To schedule a consultation or for any additional questions, please call 079 755 402.