An Innovative GLIF Approach for Minimally Invasive Back Surgery

A novel guided lumbar interbody fusion (GLIF) system under development will allow surgeons to perform a 360-degree minimally invasive procedure without the need for a second incision or repositioning of the patient.

The new system is intended to reduce the length of the procedure, reduce the trauma to the patient, and reduce the post-surgery recovery period. The GLIF system will provide a lateral approach to the spine with the patient in a natural, facedown position, which is intended to make interbody fusion and eventually disc replacement surgery faster and safer. The GLIF system will be developed and commercialized by Alphatec Spine (Carlsbad, CA, USA) under an exclusive worldwide license granted in an agreement with JGMG Bengochea (Jacksonville, FL, USA).

"The GLIF system is a shining example of Alphatec's focus on improving surgical efficacy with more advanced science,” said Dirk Kuyper, Alphatec's President and CEO.

Spinal fusions are indicated for patients with lower back and/or leg pain due to degenerative disc disease or instability. As the vertebra settle due to disc height loss, contact pressure on the posterior facets increases, which incites inflammation and pain. Currently, spinal fusion is the only proven surgical technique, which improves the pain of degenerative disc disease. In response to shortcomings of posterior spinal fusion, anterior and lateral fusion techniques are being developed.


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