Neural decompression in challenging cases: advantages and disadvantages.

The peculiarity of extreme lateral interbody fusion (LLIF) is the achievement of indirect neural decompression of the spinal canal while distracting the intervertebral disc space using an interbody cage. In this manuscript we will review the potentials and limitations of this technique when treating degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. A literature search of the PubMed-National Library of Medicine was performed. Only articles in English were included. The current available literature demonstrates that LLIF is an effective method to decompress foraminal and central canal stenosis. Based on the current available literature LLIF effects on lateral recess stenosis are less consistent. The aim of this review is to provide with a thorough overview of the latest literature available and provide the audience with targeted-oriented published results that will eventually improve the decision-making process when using the LLIF technique.