FLIF—Far Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Dr. Antonacci’s Approach
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Muscle Sparing Approaches
Dr. Antonacci has spent years pioneering the latest techniques and improvements in spinal surgery, and has worked extensively on new less invasive, muscle-sparing approaches to interbody fusions in the lumbar spine. Contact our office to see if your spondylolisthesis, stenosis, herniated disk, degenerative scoliosis, or other spinal condition could benefit from his expertise.
M. Darryl Antonacci MD, FACS
Chief Spine Surgeon & Director
Specialist in Pediatric & Adult Spine
FLIF—Far Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Dr. Antonacci’s Approach
Who Should Consider Far Lateral Interbody Fusion?
Any spinal reconstruction procedure is possibly appropriate for the far lateral interbody fusion (FLIF) procedure. Patients with conditions such as low- and high-grade spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, stenosis, kyphosis, herniated disc, flatback or discogenic back pain may benefit from FLIF as a less invasive procedure. Blood loss and operative time is of special concern for patients needing spinal reconstructive surgery (*see below), therefore Dr. Antonacci’s approach is ideal for reduction of blood loss and decreased operative times.
How Does the Far Lateral Interbody Fusion (FLIF) Procedure Work?
FLIF uses a back muscle-sparing approach for accomplishing a less invasive surgery. After the skin incision, rather than cut the back muscles and dissect them away from the spine as is done in traditional or typical spinal surgeries, Dr. Antonacci uses a natural interval between the back muscles – a natural plane called the inter-muscular plane. This naturally muscle-sparing approach better protects your back muscles from the damage caused by typical spine surgery, improves recovery times dramatically, shortens hospital stays, and preserves midline structures, thereby reducing potential junctional problems in the future. In revision surgeries, it also avoids prior scar tissue planes. Because Dr. Antonacci’s technique provides excellent visualization, there is less blood loss and less risk. It allows for complete decompression of the spinal canal, complete discectomy, interbody fusion, and spinal reconstruction with less collateral damage.
What are the Advantages of Far Lateral Interbody Fusion?
Typically surgery that is less invasive will carry less risk for the patient for several reasons. In the case of the FLIF procedure, surgical time is greatly decreased, as is average blood loss during surgery. These and other factors therefore result in reduced length of hospital stay, making surgery less inconvenient for both patient and family.
Spine Surgery Patient and Parent Testimonials of Dr. Darryl Antonacci.
Spondylolisthesis
Herniated Disc
Scoliosis And Kyphosis
Spinal Stenosis Sciatica
Degenerative Disc DiseaseThe FLIF approach results in decreased surgical time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay
| Single level | 2-3 levels | > 3 levels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOS | 1-2 days | 2-3 days | 4 days |
| Surgical time | 1.5 hours | 2.25 hours | Add 30 minutes per level > 3 |
| Blood loss | < 250 | 250-400 | 600 |
Our Office Is Conveniently Located in Central New Jersey
Have Your Spine Case Doctor-Reviewed by Nationally Renowned Spine Surgeon, Dr. Darryl Antonacci. After Doctors’s review, a staff member from Dr. Antonacci’s and Dr. Betz’s office will contact you typically within 48 hours for more information about your condition or to schedule an appointment.Our Office Location
Near Princeton, NJ
3100 Princeton Pike,
Bldg. 1-D
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Office: 609-912-1500
Fax: 609-912-1600
