Lateral Access Spine Surgery (LASS): A Minimally Invasive Approach to Treating Lumbar Spine Conditions
A new specialized technique in lumbar spine surgery is Lateral Access Spine Surgery (LASS). This minimally invasive approach involves accessing the spine from the lateral (side) position, as opposed to traditional methods like posterior (from the back) or anterior (from the front).
What is Lateral Access Spine Surgery?
There are two primary versions of Lateral Access Spine Surgery: Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LLIF) and Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF). XLIF is considered a more minimally invasive variant of LLIF. By approaching the spine laterally, surgeons can avoid cutting through muscles, tendons, or ligaments, which helps minimize damage to the supporting structures of the spine. As a result, patients often experience less postoperative pain, quicker recovery times, and a lower risk of complications compared to traditional open approaches to spine surgery.
Who needs Lateral Access Spine Surgery?
LASS is performed to treat various spinal conditions and to provide relief for patients who have not found success with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain management, or medication. Some common conditions treated with LASS include:
- Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition occurs when the discs between the vertebrae deteriorate, causing pain and instability in the spine.
- Spinal Stenosis: This is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Scoliosis: This condition is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, which can cause discomfort and instability of the spine.
- Spondylolisthesis: This occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the one below it, potentially causing pain and instability.
The Procedure
Although LASS is a minimally invasive approach, it still requires general anesthesia, meaning the patient is put to sleep during the procedure. Incisions are typically 2-4 cm long on the patient’s side, and an X-ray machine is used to guide the surgeon in accessing the spine. The specific surgical procedure depends on the condition being treated; typically, a damaged disc will be removed and replaced with an interbody device to fuse two vertebrae.
LASS presents a promising alternative to traditional open spine surgery by providing a less invasive option. This approach can lead to quicker recovery times and a reduced risk of complications for patients. However, spine surgery is a complex field, and LASS may not be suitable for all patients or every spinal condition. It is essential to have a thorough evaluation by a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon to determine the most appropriate surgical option for each individual’s unique situation.
For a comprehensive evaluation and to explore your treatment options, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment or seek a second opinion consultation with Dr. Scott Raffa at Cantor Spine Center at the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Center by calling 561-935-1188. Take the first step towards a pain-free life by calling us today.