Download MAS® PLIF Fact Sheet

MAS® PLIF Fact Sheet
About Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Lumbar interbody fusion is a surgical technique that attempts to eliminate instability
in the back.
Instability can result from degenerated discs and/or facet joints that cause unnatural motion and pain, loss of height
of the disc space between the vertebrae that causes pinching of the spinal nerves exiting the spinal canal (foraminal
stenosis), slippage of one vertebra over another (listhesis), and/or change in the normal curvature of the spine
(scoliosis, hyper- or hypo-lordosis).
Fusion is accomplished by creating a bridge of bone between two vertebral bodies to reduce their motion. In
preparation for spinal fusion, the intervertebral disc is removed and a spacer device is placed between the vertebrae
to restore spinal alignment and disc height. Bone-forming cells (autograft) are inserted to promote new bone growth.
The fusion then occurs between the endplates of the vertebrae.
About Maximum Access Surgery
Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
(MAS® PLIF)
The NuVasive® MAS PLIF procedure is a minimally disruptive approach
to traditional back surgery. Traditionally, a PLIF is performed by making
a midline incision in the patient’s back and retracting the attached
muscles laterally (to the side) beyond the facet joint to allow sufficient
access to the spine. This often results in postoperative approachrelated muscle pain and denervation (loss of nerve supply).
The distinct difference between a traditional “open” PLIF and
a minimally disruptive MAS PLIF, is the medialized surgical approach
and smaller incision. By using a medialized (closer to the spinous
process) screw entry point, the MAS PLIF procedure is designed to
eliminate the need to retract muscle laterally (wide) past the facet
joint, therefore requiring a smaller incision than an “open” PLIF. By
minimizing the amount of muscle disruption, this procedure is intended
to reduce postoperative approach-related muscle pain and enable a
faster recovery for the patient.
Completed procedure with the MaXcess®
MAS PLIF retractor in place.
MAS® PLIF Fact Sheet
MAS® PLIF Patient Benefits
Reduced Blood Loss and Minimal Scarring
The medialized surgical approach allows for a smaller
incision and causes less muscle disruption than a
traditional “open” PLIF.
Reduced Hospital Stay
Most MAS PLIF patients are discharged from the
hospital 1-2 days after surgery.
Reduced Postoperative Pain
The MAS PLIF procedure avoids excessive lateral
dissection/retraction that can cause trauma to and
denervation of back muscles.
Faster Return to Normal Activity
Because this procedure is less disruptive than
conventional posterior surgery, most patients are able to
stand up and walk the evening after surgery.
About NuVasive®
NuVasive is an innovative medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and
procedures for the spine. Our mission is to improve the lives of patients who suffer from debilitating back, neck, or leg
pain by creating cutting-edge products and procedures that revolutionize spine surgery through focusing on Speed
of Innovation®, Absolute Responsiveness®, and Superior Clinical Results.
As with any spine surgery, there are potential benefits and possible risks associated with the MAS TLIF procedure. Individual
results will vary. It is important to discuss the possible risks and potential benefits of MAS TLIF with a physician prior to receiving
treatment, and that you rely on your physician’s judgment. Only your physician can determine whether you are a suitable
candidate for this procedure.
NuVasive, Inc., 7475 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121 • Tel 800.475.9131 Fax 800.475.9134
www.nuvasive.com
© 2012. NuVasive, Inc. All rights reserved. , NuVasive, Speed of Innovation, Absolute
Responsiveness, MAS, and MaXcess are registered trademarks of NuVasive, Inc.
12-NUVA-1255