ILIF™ Fact Sheet

ILIF Fact Sheet
Treating Stenosis with Decompression and
Instrumented Fusion
A laminectomy is a type of decompression procedure used to
treat lumbar spinal stenosis. It involves removing the spinous
processes and the lamina to create a “window” above the
spinal canal. This process requires the removal and/ or
disruption of the supporting ligaments, muscles, and bones
that stabilize the spine.
To mitigate the instability of the spine caused by this
procedure, patients often require fusion. This involves inserting
screws and rods into the spine for stabilization followed by
placing bone graft along both sides of the spine.
Some of the disadvantages associated with traditional surgical
treatments for stenosis include: resulting instability which can
create pain, scar tissue that causes pressure on the spinal cord
and/or nerves, or the complexity of a fusion procedure with
screws and rods.
Completed ILIF procedure with the spinous
process plate and allograft in place.
About Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented Fusion (ILIF)
The NuVasive ® ILIF procedure was created to overcome the challenges of traditional treatments for lumbar spinal
stenosis. ILIF consists of an improved decompression and a minimally disruptive fusion technique that has been
shown to reduce O.R. time, hospital stay, blood loss, and complications.*
The ILIF Procedure:
• Minimizes destabilization of the spine
• Maintains distraction and promotes fusion
• Utilizes a minimally disruptive stabilization device
ILIF involves a minimally disruptive decompression procedure, called a laminotomy, during which the space
between the spinous processes is temporarily expanded to remove tissue and bone causing stenosis.
An allograft is then placed onto the lamina between the spinous processes to create a fusion bridge and prevent
narrowing of the canal. A small plate is attached to the spinous processes to stabilize the segment and aid in
fusion. Biomechanical testing indicates the plate is comparable to traditional pedicle screw fixation.

ILIF Fact Sheet
ILIF Patient Benefits
Reduced Blood Loss and Minimal Scarring
The ILIF procedure does not significantly disrupt the
supporting ligaments, muscles, and bones of the
back, so patients are usually walking the same day.*
Reduced Hospital Stay
ILIF may require only an overnight stay in the
hospital, compared to several days of immobility and
hospitalization typical of traditional instrumented
fusion approaches.*
Reduced Operative Time
Traditional procedures can take 1-2 hours to perform,
the ILIF procedure can be successfully completed in
as little as one hour or less, reducing the amount of
anesthesia time.*
Faster Return to Normal Activity
Patients usually walk the same day after surgery
and recovery is typically around 4 weeks,
compared to 3 months or more.*
About NuVasive ®
NuVasive is an innovative medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products
and procedures for the spine. Our mission is to improve the lives of patients who suffer from debilitating back,
neck, or leg pain by creating cutting-edge products and procedures that revolutionize spine surgery through
focusing on Speed of Innovation ® , Absolute Responsiveness ® , and Superior Clinical Results.
Only your physician can determine if ILIF is right for you. Individual results will vary. It is important to discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of ILIF with
a physician prior to receiving treatment. The ILIF procedure may be an option if you require a posterior decompression and interspinous fusion between L2 and S1.
As with any major surgical procedure, there are risks involved in spinal surgery. Operative and postoperative complications known to occur may include: early or
late infection which may result in the need for additional surgeries; damage to blood vessels, spinal cord or peripheral nerves; pulmonary emboli; loss of sensory
and/or motor function; impotence; permanent pain and/or deformity. Rarely, some complications may be fatal.
The NuVasive ® ILIF System includes Affix ® which is a posterior, non-pedicle supplemental fixation device, intended for use in the non-cervical spine (T1 – S1). It is
intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous process for the purpose of achieving supplemental fusion in the following conditions: degenerative disc
disease - defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies; spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e.,
fracture or dislocation); and/or tumor. It is not intended for stand-alone use.
*Data on file
NuVasive, Inc., 7475 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121 • Tel 800.475.9131 Fax 800.475.9134
www.nuvasive.com
© 2013. NuVasive, Inc. All rights reserved. , NuVasive, Speed of Innovation,
Absolute Responsiveness, and Affix are registered trademarks of NuVasive, Inc.
ILIF is a trademark of NuVasive, Inc.
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