MINIMALLY INVASIVE
LATERAL FUSION

MINIMALLY INVASIVE LATERAL FUSION

A minimally invasive lateral fusion surgical procedure requires a small 2-3 cm incision in the side of your back to approach the lumbar spine region. This surgical approach avoids dissecting the major muscles of your back, or front. Depending on how many spinal levels are diseased, the surgical technique may require two small incisions if more levels are targeted for surgery. Visualization is assisted and performed under fluoroscopic (radiographic) guidance and microscopic visualization.

A probe to help guide the surgery is introduced to the disc space as well as a tube for retraction. Via the tube, the damaged disc is removed, vertebral body endplate preparation is performed, and placement of a lateral cage device is introduced. The insertion of the cage spacer provides stability and allows fusion across two vertebral segments. Posterior instrumentation is placed from the back to add stability to the spine.

Patient Testimonials

“Dr. Kropf is a very knowledgeable and experienced surgeon. He is just as straight forward and honest as I remember him from 19 years ago. He did an amazing job with my back then, that I flew across the country to discuss the second surgery with him!”

"I had a Cervical Spine Surgery February 2017 and Lumbar Spine Surgery November 2017. Both Surgeries were a Success. I feel so much better....No More Pain! Thank You, Dr. Kropf... You're the BEST!"

-Martha B

"This man gave me my life back! I wouldn't be working today with him as a spine nurse ! I had a cervical fusion & artificial disc replacement for my lower back ! He's caring & compassionate & so is his staff ! He saved my husbands life also by ordering the right tests & got him to another specialist , I feel so blessed to have him! "

-Anastacia H

"First off, I believe Dr. Kropf helped save my life! It's been 6 months since I had my surgery and my spine has fused successfully! Dr. Kropf and his amazing staff treated me like a human being instead of just a patient! The support and encouragement they gave me throughout the few years I have been going is incomparable! Thank you to all those who helped me during my recovery, especially Sakura, and Trisha! You are all Angels on Earth! God Bless you!"

-Stefifi A

"Dr. Kropf is literally a miracle worker. I have suffered with horrible pain for years from herniation at L4/5 & L5/S1. Had a prior micro-surgery from another surgeon which did not work. Dr. Kropf performed a double fusion through the stomach and back. Had my 7 month follow up yesterday and got a clean bill of health. Honestly, after about 5 months I was totally pain free. He completely nailed it!!! I also just referred one of my good friends who also feel in love with Dr.Kropf. I had interviewed 7 surgeons with my wife and we both agreed that there was no one better to do my surgery. This was not a fun thing to go through, but so worth it. Katie, Sakura, and Trisha also were awesome to deal with and super responsive."

-Lee E