Lumbar spinal fusion is used to correct problems in the anatomy of the back by removing a damaged disc and inserting a bone graft as part of fusing two vertebrae together. Whereas a traditional lumbar spinal fusion accesses the surgical area via an incision in the abdomen, back, or both, a direct lateral interbody fusion utilizes a much less invasive method by making one small incision in the side of the body. This provides far less discomfort and recovery time for the patient, and the ease of not having to dodge organs and blood vessels to access the surgical area for the doctor.
