Minimally Disruptive Procedure Is Safe, Easier Alternative to Traditional Back Surgery Providence Medford Medical Center introduces a new, minimally disruptive procedure being performed to provide relief to those who suffer from back pain. The minimally disruptive procedure, called XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Infusion), is currently being performed by Mark Peterson, M.D., Medical Director of Providence Spine Program. “The XLIF procedure offers patients a safe and effective, less invasive alternative to spine surgery,” explains Dr. Peterson. “Unlike traditional back surgery, the XLIF surgery accesses the spine through the patient’s side, which avoids disrupting major muscles and tissue in the back. Patients are often walking within a few days, with a typical 4-6 week recovery rather than the traditional 6+ months of recovery following a typical open back surgery.” The XLIF procedure utilizes a nerve monitoring system that has sensors to alert the surgeon when his probe is approaching one of the nerves running through the muscle, so he can steer around it. Additionally, with the XLIF procedure, the incisions are much smaller than those in traditional back surgeries. The surgeon accesses the spine through two one-inch incisions compared to the five-inch incisions necessary with traditional open back surgery. This results in minimal tissue disruption and shorter hospital stays and recovery time. Patients spend one night in the hospital compared to the five nights typical of traditional surgery patients. The XLIF procedure is part of NuVasive’s Maximum Access Surgery (MAS) system, a proprietary suite of instruments and technology, which includes the MaXcess System for minimally disruptive spine surgery and the NeuroVision JJB System (nerve avoidance technology). When performing surgery using MaXcess and NeuroVision together, surgeons can gain novel access to the spine with better direct visualization, avoidance of critical nerves and stabilization of the spine, while still using traditional techniques. This technology allows surgeons to perform a wide range of conventional spine procedures through a minimally invasive approach that leaves less tissue trauma and scarring. Additionally, the doctors can perform surgical procedures using instruments that are similar to those used in open procedures, but through significantly smaller incisions. The MAS system provides greater access to the spine, better visualization during surgery and speedier surgery/OR times to surgeons. NeuroVision uses electromyography, or EMG, and proprietary software to provide surgeons with an enhanced nerve avoidance platform. This means less time and cost to the patient, surgeon and hospital. Providence Spine Program is designed to be cost effective and readily accessible with a goal of returning the patient to the highest possible quality of life. A close relationship between the physicians and physical therapists ensures speedy rehabilitation and recovery within the only inpatient rehabilitation facility in Jackson County. Information about Providence Spine Program and scheduling appointments may be done after May 1, 2004 by calling (541) 732-7746. | 
