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No Large Incisions. No Screws or Rods. Just a Smoother Recovery.
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Minimally Invasive Fusion for Enhanced Patient Comfort and Recovery
The surgeon performs a standard anterior or lateral lumbar interbody fusion and places an interbody spacer to correct any deformity and unpinch nerves
Traditionally the surgeon would then make a separate incision and place screws and rods into the patient's back - creating an additional incision and making recovery more difficult. CemLIF aims to eliminate the need for screws and rods altogether. By using innovative cement augmentation, CemLIF offers a straightforward option that reduces surgical impact and allows for a smoother and less painful recovery process.
CemLIF’s cement augmentation technique uniquely bonds the spacer and vertebrae together, creating a stable fusion without invasive posterior hardware. This cement effectively “casts” the spine, offering strong, reliable support to the fused area. By replacing traditional hardware with a minimally invasive cement technique, CemLIF allows patients to experience the benefits of lumbar fusion with reduced discomfort and quicker recovery times.
This video explains the CemLIF cement augmented fusion procedure and how it compares to a traditional lumbar fusion spinal surgery with rods and screws. See how CemLIF’s innovative use of an interbody spacer and cement augmentation achieves spinal stability without the need for screws, rods, or a large posterior incision. Learn about the key benefits of CemLIF, including reduced surgical impact and a faster, more comfortable recovery for patients.
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Dr. Mark Frenkel, MD, MA, FAANS, FCNS is a board-certified neurosurgeon and spine surgeon based in Naples, Florida. A fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Dr. Frenkel has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious neurosurgical journals and contributed to several textbook chapters on advanced spinal surgery techniques. An early adopter and innovator in surgical technology, he was among the first to use augmented reality in surgery, having developed his own intraoperative neuro-navigation system. With over a decade of experience and thousands of successful cases, Dr. Frenkel is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care.
Driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes, Dr. Frenkel developed the CemLIF™ procedure. He observed that many patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery faced significant pain and prolonged recovery due to the need for additional posterior incisions for screws and rods. While modern ALIF and LLIF techniques offer minimally invasive fusion options, they often require supplementary hardware that increases postoperative discomfort. Seeking a solution, Dr. Frenkel created the CemLIF™ to provide the necessary stability and strength without the need for screws, rods, or additional incisions—revolutionizing the lumbar fusion process for faster and less painful recoveries.
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