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LILi SpineJoshua Li, MD, PhD

Lumbar spine

OLIF — oblique lumbar interbody fusion

A side-front corridor to the disc that spares the psoas

StabilizationMinimally invasive option
Lumbar spine anatomy related to OLIF — oblique lumbar interbody fusion

OLIF sits between ALIF and XLIF. It uses a large interbody device for height and alignment while staying in front of the psoas, which reduces the risk of thigh numbness and hip-flexor weakness that can follow a true lateral (transpsoas) approach.

Dr. Li studies psoas muscle volume after XLIF and OLIF because the approach should serve the patient after the incision has healed, not only on the intraoperative fluoroscopy.

What to expect

  • A small flank incision; patients typically stay one night.
  • Some temporary thigh symptoms can occur; they are watched and usually fade.

Recovery

  • Walking is encouraged immediately.
  • When posterior screws are added, recovery follows the combined plan.

From the surgery library

Educational X-Ray Images

Teaching films of olif. They are not a diagnosis.

OLIFOLIFOLIFOLIFOLIFOLIF
View all 4 educational x-ray images

More lumbar spine procedures

MicrodiscectomyULBD — unilateral laminotomy, bilateral decompressionALIF — anterior lumbar interbody fusionXLIF — extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusionTLIF — transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

This page is educational. It is not a recommendation for surgery. Whether a procedure is appropriate is decided after examination, imaging, and a conversation about goals and risk.

FAQ

Questions about olif

What is olif — oblique lumbar interbody fusion?

The disc is reached through an oblique window in front of the psoas muscle, allowing a large cage without splitting the hip flexor.

Who is olif for?

OLIF — oblique lumbar interbody fusion is often considered for: L2–L5 degeneration, stenosis, or spondylolisthesis; Patients who need anterior column support but not an ALIF at L5–S1; Selected deformity correction at mid-lumbar levels.

Does olif — oblique lumbar interbody fusion preserve motion?

OLIF — oblique lumbar interbody fusion is a stabilizing operation. Dr. Li recommends it when motion preservation is not the honest solution — for example when the joints are too arthritic or alignment must be changed.

What is recovery like after olif?

Walking is encouraged immediately. When posterior screws are added, recovery follows the combined plan.

Appointments

Ready to take the next step toward recovery?

New patients are welcome. Call the spine clinic or send a note — the team will help you find the right visit.

Request an appointmentCall 434.243.3633