Axial Lumbosacral Interbody Fusion
DESCRIPTION
Axial lumbosacral interbody fusion (LIF) may also be referred to as pre-sacral, trans-sacral or paracoccygeal interbody fusion. It is a minimally invasive technique designed to provide anterior access to the L4-S1 disc spaces for interbody fusion (e.g., AxiaLIF® and AxiaLIF® II Level systems). The procedure has been proposed to relieve back pain by providing anterior stabilization of the spinal segments as an adjunct to spinal fusion.
The LIF procedure is distinctly different from other open fusion approaches. The lumbar vertebrae are accessed via a small incision in the precoccygeal area perpendicular to the plane that is used for other fusion procedures. Fluoroscopy is utilized for guidance of the instrumentation as well as peri-operative monitoring of the surgical manipulation. Following debulking of the nucleus pulposus, bone graft material is injected to fill the disc space. A threaded rod designed to distract the vertebral bodies and to restore disc and neural foramen height is implanted in the affected vertebrae. Additional graft material is injected to secure the rod. Percutaneous placement of pedicle or facet screws may be used to provide supplemental fixation.
While this procedure may allow preservation of the annulus and paraspinous soft tissue structures, there is an inability to address intracanal pathology or visualize the discectomy procedure directly. Complications of the axial approach may include perforation of the bowel and injury to blood vessels and/or nerves.
POLICY
Axial lumbosacral interbody fusion is considered investigational.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The published literature on axial lumbar interbody fusion consists of a systematic review of case series and a retrospective comparison of axial LIF with anterior lumbar interbody fusion. No prospective randomized controlled trials have been identified comparing outcomes of axial LIF with other approaches to LIF.
SOURCES
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Evidence Positioning System. (5:2023). Axial lumbosacral interbody fusion (7.01.130). Retrieved July 12, 2023 from www.bcbsaoca.com/eps/. (13 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018, July). Transaxial interbody lumbosacral fusion for severe chronic low back pain. Retrieved August 27, 2018 from www.nice.org.uk/guideance/ipg620.
Schroeder, G.D., Kepler, C.K., Millhouse, P.W., Fleischman, A.N., Maltenfort, M.G., Bateman, D.K., & Vaccaro, A.R. (2016). L5/S1 fusion rates in degenerative spine surgery: a systematic review comparing ALIF, TLIF, and axial interbody arthrodesis. Clinical Spine Surgery, 29 (4), 150-155. Abstract retrieved August 27, 2018 from PubMed database.
Tobler, W., Melgar, M., Raley, T., Anand, N., Miller, L., & Nasca, R. (2013). Clinical and radiographic outcomes with L4–S1 axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) and posterior instrumentation: a multicenter study. Medical Devices: Evidence and Research, 13 (6), 155-161. (Level 4 evidence)
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2008, April). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Summary. Premarket Notification Database. K050965 (TranS1® AxiaLIF™ System). Retrieved April 23, 2014 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
Zeilstra, D., Staartjes, V., and Schröder, M. (2017). Minimally invasive transaxial lumbosacral interbody fusion: a ten year single-centre experience. International Orthopedics, 41 (1), 113-119. Abstract retrieved September 11, 2017 from PubMed database.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/11/2013
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 8/10/2023
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