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CemLIF is a novel procedure designed to help patients avoid the morbidity associated with posterior incisions and pedicle screw fixation. A standard ALIF or LLIF is performed first; rather than placing pedicle screws posteriorly for additional stabilization, CemLIF uses carefully placed polymethylmethacrylate (bone cement) to secure an interbody device to the adjacent vertebrae.
Our early results have been promising, and as a result we've begun offering the technique. We're collecting long-term follow-up data and plan to publish our early results in the near future. These early, unpublished findings suggest CemLIF may allow for shorter hospital stays, decreased opiate use, reduced postoperative pain, decreased hardware failure, and lower rates of failed fusion compared to traditional techniques using pedicle screws and rods. Early biomechanical testing also suggests increased stability with decreased range of motion compared to constructs using pedicle screws. We caution, however, that these results are unpublished, from a small sample size, and require additional study before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
If you have a patient you'd like to refer for evaluation to determine candidacy for the CemLIF technique, please provide their information below and our office will reach out to them:
