Lumbar Surgery Archives - Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists

Are you struggling with sciatic nerve pain or spinal instability that’s interfering with your daily life? Traditional spinal surgeries often require long recovery times and can be quite invasive. However, thanks to the revolutionary S-LIF (Supine Lateral Interbody Fusion) technology, there’s now a far less invasive option for lumbar fusion surgery.

Developed exclusively at Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists, the S-LIF is transforming spinal surgery by offering patients a minimally invasive approach with faster recovery times and fewer complications.

What is the S-LIF Procedure?

The S-LIF is currently the least invasive option for lumbar fusion surgery available worldwide. This advanced procedure is a step beyond the MIG-LIF procedure, which was first developed by Dr. Scott Schlesinger in 2015. MIG-LIF was a groundbreaking outpatient surgery performed through a keyhole incision, but Dr. Schlesinger saw room for further improvement.

By applying his expertise in microsurgical techniques—honed through years of performing complex brain surgeries—Dr. Schlesinger developed the S-LIF, making it even less invasive than its predecessor. Today, S-LIF offers a state-of-the-art solution for patients requiring decompression and fusion of the lumbar spine, using the smallest possible incision.

Who is a Candidate for S-LIF?

While the S-LIF procedure is an exceptional option for many, it is not suitable for all patients. Some individuals with more severe spine conditions may still require traditional, more invasive surgery. However, for patients who qualify, the benefits are substantial. If you’re suffering from sciatic pain, compressed nerves, or spinal instability, this could be the ideal minimally invasive solution to restore your quality of life.

Why Choose S-LIF?

Here’s why S-LIF stands out among lumbar fusion surgeries:

Minimally Invasive: Performed through a keyhole incision, leading to less pain and faster recovery times.
Outpatient Procedure: No need for an extended hospital stay. You can return home the same day.
Faster Recovery: Patients experience significantly shorter recovery periods compared to traditional lumbar fusion surgeries.
Reduced Risk: Lower complication rates due to its less invasive nature.

Meet the Pioneers of S-LIF at Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists

The S-LIF procedure is exclusively performed by Scott Schlesinger, MD, and Dominic Maggio, MD, two of the top neurosurgeons in the country.

Dr. Scott Schlesinger, MD

Dr. Schlesinger has been a leading neurosurgeon since 1992. He trained at UT Southwestern and completed a fellowship in Lausanne, Switzerland. Over his career, Dr. Schlesinger has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, consistently being named among the Best Neurosurgeons in the state. As the founder of Legacy Spine and Neurological Specialists, Dr. Schlesinger developed the S-LIF procedure, using his microsurgical expertise to push the boundaries of minimally invasive spine surgery.

Dr. Dominic Maggio, MD

Dr. Maggio joined the Legacy Spine team in July 2021 and has quickly established himself as an outstanding surgeon specializing in both the S-LIF procedure and other advanced spinal surgeries. Dr. Maggio trained at the University of Virginia-National Institutes of Health neurosurgery program and completed a fellowship at Ohio State University. His skill set includes complex and minimally invasive spine surgery techniques, for which he has received multiple awards for both his research and clinical expertise.

Is S-LIF Right for You?

If you’re tired of living with back pain or numbness caused by spinal issues, the S-LIF procedure could be the life-changing solution you need. Not all patients are candidates, but for those who are, this procedure offers the least invasive option for lumbar fusion surgery available today.

Contact Legacy Spine & Neurological Specialists Today

Want to learn more about S-LIF or find out if you’re a candidate for this cutting-edge procedure? Call us today or send us a message through our website. Our dedicated team is ready to help you on the path to a pain-free life.

It is the 30 year anniversary of the publication by Dr. Scott Schlesinger of the landmark article on the technique of minimally invasive far lateral disectomy approach. The publication was the outcome of a one year fellowship in minimally invasive neurosurgery at Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) in Lausanne Switzerland. This detailed study of the microanatomy of this unique approach along with the technique was published in ACTA Neurosurgica and subsequently presented to the European and American National Neurosurgical societies.

The operations main benefit is it spares the removal of the entire spine joint on the side of surgery (facet joint) thus minimizing the iatrogenic risk of future spinal instability and therefore lowers the chances of needing a lumbar fusion procedure. Therefore the standard alternative to this MIS approach involves doing a simultaneous lumbar fusion with instrumentation or in many cases the delayed need for such. The far lateral approach to ELLDH has been used by the authors in thousands of cases over the last 30 years both in Switzerland and in the United States with excellent outcomes. Also the anatomy learned in this research has subsequently been used by Dr. Scott Schlesinger to develop the SLIF MIS fusion surgery. This uses a far lateral approach for a “screw-less” standalone MIS decompression and interbody fusion.

Learn more about the unique offerings at Legacy Neuro of the SLIF and other MIS procedures including the ELLDH surgical option.

Click below to view the original article and to view several videos regarding this approach!

Microsurgical Anatomy and Operative Technique for Extreme Lateral Lumbar Disc Herniations

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3