The ILIF Procedure (Interlaminar Lumbar Instrumented Fusion) was developed to overcome the potential shortcomings of standard lumbar spinal stenosis treatments (i.e. decompression alone and decompression with fusion), using a minimally disruptive surgical technique. Lumbar spinal stenosis is a gradual narrowing of the space where nerves pass through the spine, which can be a result of aging and “wear and tear” on the spine from everyday activities and/or resultant positional changes of the vertebrae. The most common surgical treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis is a procedure called a decompression, which involves removing bone or ligaments that are pressing on the spinal cord and/or nerves.

The ILIF procedure involves a minimally disruptive decompression procedure called a laminotomy, which involves temporary distraction (opening up) of the space between the spinous processes, and careful removal of only small sections of bone to release the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Most ILIF patients are discharged from the hospital the next day, but your physician will determine the best post-operative course for you, depending on your comfort and any other health problems you may have. In general, ILIF surgery results in quick recovery and return to normal activities.
Only your physician can determine if ILIF is right for you.

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