MAS® PLIF - NuVasive®, Inc.

ABOUT
MAS
PLIF
®
A Maximum Access Approach
to Lower Back Surgery
Completed procedure with
the MaXcess® MAS PLIF
retractor in place.
The NuVasive® MAS PLIF procedure is a minimally disruptive approach to
traditional back surgery. A traditional PLIF procedure, or posterior lumbar
interbody fusion, 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 “open” approach
often results in postoperative approach-related muscle pain and denervation
(loss of nerve supply).
How MAS PLIF Differs from a Traditional Approach
The distinct difference between a traditional “open” PLIF and a minimally disruptive Maximum Access Surgery (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.
More on Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Both MAS PLIF and traditional PLIF surgeries attempt to reduce instability in the lower back. Instability can result from
degenerated discs and/or facet joints that cause unnatural motion and pain, as well as loss of height of the disc space
between the vertebrae, which can pinch the nerves exiting the spinal canal (foraminal stenosis). Additional causes are
slippage of one vertebra over another (listhesis) and/or change in the normal curvature of the spine (scoliosis, hyper- or
hypo-lordosis).
Stabilization occurs through fusion, which 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 graft (e.g., autograft) is inserted to promote new
bone growth. The fusion then occurs between the endplates of the vertebrae.
MAS PLIF Potential
Patient Benefits
®
Reduced blood loss and minimal scarring
The medialized surgical approach allows for a smaller
incision and typically causes less muscle disruption than
a traditional “open” PLIF procedure.
Reduced hospital stay
Most MAS PLIF patients are discharged from the
hospital one to two days after surgery.
Reduced postoperative pain
The MAS PLIF procedure was created to avoid excessive
lateral dissection/retraction that can cause trauma to
and denervation of back muscles.
Faster return to normal activity
Because this procedure was designed to be less disruptive
than conventional posterior surgery, most patients are able
to stand up and walk the evening after surgery.
Potential risks following the MAS PLIF procedure may include: early or late infection, which may result in the need for additional surgeries; damage to the blood vessels, spinal cord, or peripheral
nerves; pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs); loss of sensory and/or motor (muscle) function; impotence; permanent pain and/or deformity. Rarely, some complications may be fatal.
MAS PLIF Applications
The MAS PLIF procedure may be a good option for patients suffering from:
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Neurologic symptoms (e.g., leg pain, numbness, bladder dysfunction)
Degenerative disc disease
Recurrent degenerative disc herniation
Advanced degenerative disc disease with resultant spondylolisthesis
There are several nonsurgical treatments available to help relieve lower back pain. These include applying heat, taking medication
to reduce pain and swelling, exercising, acupuncture, physical therapy, rest, and corticosteroids injections. Once all nonsurgical
treatments have been exhausted, surgery may be the next step.
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 PLIF procedure. Individual results will vary. It is important to discuss the
possible risks and potential benefits of MAS PLIF 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
©2014. NuVasive, Inc. All rights reserved. , NuVasive, Speed of Innovation, Absolute Responsiveness, MAS,
and MaXcess are registered trademarks of NuVasive, Inc.
14-NUVA-1344