XLIF® Surgery in San Antonio: What It Is and Who Is a Candidate

February 23, 2026

If you are experiencing persistent lower back or leg pain in San Antonio and conservative treatments have not provided relief, surgical options may be considered. At MD Spine Care in San Antonio, the eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®) procedure is used to treat certain degenerative spinal conditions when surgery becomes necessary.

XLIF is a minimally disruptive spinal fusion technique performed through the side of the body rather than the front or back.

What Causes Spine Pain?

Many spine-related symptoms are caused by either:

Instability within the spinal segment
Disc, bone, or ligament material pressing on nerve roots or the spinal cord

Common conditions that may lead to these issues include:

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative Scoliosis

As spinal discs lose flexibility, height, and elasticity over time, they may bulge or herniate. This can place pressure on nearby nerves, leading to lower back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness.

When conservative treatments such as medication, rest, physical therapy, or heat therapy do not provide relief, surgical options may be considered.

What Is XLIF® Surgery?

The eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF®) procedure is a minimally disruptive spinal fusion surgery performed through a small incision on the side of the body.

Unlike traditional spinal fusion procedures that require anterior (front) or posterior (back) exposure, XLIF uses lateral (side) access to reach the affected disc space. The procedure utilizes nerve monitoring technology to help guide the safest pathway to the spine.

The XLIF Procedure Typically Involves:

1. Lateral Approach
A small incision is made on the side of the body. Dilators are used to create a pathway to the disc space while monitoring nearby nerves.

2. Disc Removal
The damaged disc is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

3. Implant Placement
An implant is inserted into the disc space to restore disc height and provide mechanical support during the fusion process.

4. Fixation
Internal fixation, such as screws or plates, may be used to stabilize the spine while fusion occurs.

Over time, bone growth between the vertebrae stabilizes the treated segment.

Who Is a Candidate for XLIF® Surgery in San Antonio?

XLIF surgery may be considered for patients who:

Have not experienced relief from non-surgical treatments
Have symptoms that are worsening
Have spinal instability or degenerative changes that require surgical intervention

Examples of conditions that may be treated with XLIF include:

Degenerated discs and/or facet joints causing instability and pain
Slippage of one vertebra over another (spondylolisthesis)
Degenerative scoliosis (change in spinal curvature)

However, not every patient is a candidate for XLIF. A thorough evaluation with a spine specialist in San Antonio is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Potential Benefits of XLIF®

Potential benefits of the XLIF procedure may include:

Smaller incision
Less blood loss during surgery
Reduced operative time
Reduced hospital stay
Reduced postoperative recovery time
Increased spinal stability for long-term fusion

Individual outcomes vary depending on the patient’s condition, overall health, and adherence to postoperative instructions.

What to Expect After XLIF® Surgery

After surgery, patients are monitored in recovery before returning to their hospital room. Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days, although your physician will determine your specific postoperative plan.

Patients may be instructed to:

Use a brace for a designated period
Carefully begin sitting, standing, or walking within 24 hours
Limit certain activities while healing

Your spine specialist will provide detailed instructions regarding wound care, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.

Are There Risks Involved?

All surgical procedures carry risks. Potential risks of XLIF surgery may include:

Anesthesia-related complications
Infection
Nerve damage
Issues related to graft or hardware
Ongoing pain

It is important to discuss all potential risks and benefits with your surgeon before proceeding with surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About XLIF® Surgery

Is XLIF considered minimally invasive?

Yes. XLIF is performed through a small incision on the side of the body and is designed to minimize tissue disruption compared to traditional approaches.

How long is the hospital stay after XLIF surgery?

Most patients are discharged within 1–2 days, although recovery varies by individual.

What conditions can XLIF treat?

XLIF may be used to treat degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative scoliosis when surgery is appropriate.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for XLIF in San Antonio?

A consultation with a qualified spine specialist is required to evaluate your imaging, symptoms, and overall health before determining candidacy.

Considering XLIF Surgery in San Antonio?

If you are exploring spine surgery options in San Antonio, a consultation is the first step. During your evaluation, Dr. Kuwamura will review your imaging, medical history, and symptoms to determine whether XLIF or another surgical option is appropriate.

To learn more about the XLIF procedure offered at MD Spine Care, visit the Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion page or schedule a consultation.