The new Trauma Study Group will be led by Chairman Juan Uribe, M.D., who brings in-depth knowledge of the XLIF® procedure and experience with its use in trauma. Dr. Uribe is Assistant Professor, Director of the Spine Division, at the University of South Florida Department of Neurosurgery, a Level 1 Trauma Center. When trauma call presents with cases requiring immediate decompression and stabilization, Dr. Uribe has been able to offer a less invasive procedure (XLIF) without the need (and time delay) for an access surgeon. As Chairman of the Trauma Study Group, Dr. Uribe will spearhead initiatives to better define best practices and evaluate outcomes in this area.

An interim analysis was also performed on the data received to date in this study, with 37 patients and 45 levels treated. Results showed that while the incidence of neural injury was low using NeuroVision, the variability in nerve location strongly warrants its specific use for both nerve proximity and directionality feedback. The details of this study can be found in NuVasive White Paper 9500247 (available from your NuVasive sales representative or by logging into the member access area and clicking on the Resources tab).

Clinical and radiographic results to date are encouraging, with dramatic improvements in pain and function and maintenance of sagittal and coronal corrections. You can read the detailed report in the NuVasive White Paper 9500251 (available from your NuVasive sales representative or by logging into the member access area and clicking on the Resources tab).

The Society is proud to formally announce the publication of an entire textbook specifically and entirely on the XLIF^® procedure!

A "Surgical Techniques and Clinical Applications" section includes the step-by-step techniques for both lumbar and thoracic XLIF approaches, and a detailed explanation of the importance of NeuroVision^® to the safety of the approach. Additionally, clinical application chapters describe how the XLIF approach can be used to treat a variety of spine conditions, including degenerated/collapsed discs, junctional disease, degenerative spondylolisthesis and scoliosis, complex deformity, and revision surgery. Topics also include XLIF in the outpatient setting, thoracic disc herniations, corpectomy, and total disc replacement.

From the Preface of the book: "...this book will provide a solid foundation of knowledge and assist surgeons at all levels by providing guidance to the beginner, insight to the experienced, and a source of stimulation to the most proficient who continue to refine their skills."

The first 200 members of the Society received a complimentary copy of the book, personally autographed by Dr. Pimenta and the editors. Congratulations and Thank You to Drs. J. Allan Goodrich and Ildemaro J. Volcan, as well as the several SOLAS members who contributed to the creation of this groundbreaking book!

At the CNS meeting in Orlando, FL, in September, William Smith (Las Vegas, NV) presented two abstracts at the podium (Complications in XLIF, and XLIF at L4-5) as well as a poster (Corpectomy by XLIF). Luiz Pimenta (Sao Paulo, Brazil) was also represented with posters on XLIF in Spondylolisthesis, Indirect Decompression, and Adjacent Level Disease in Lateral TDR vs Anterior TDR. The scientific sessions at the recent NASS meeting in Toronto, Canada, also highlighted XLIF both at the podium (W. Blake Rodgers, Jefferson City, MO; for XLIF in the Morbidly Obese) and in posters (Complications in XLIF, and TDR Revision by XLIF).

Upon departure from the MVP, surgeons have instant access to a large community of very experienced XLIF surgeons via www.SpineConnect.com. SpineConnect™ enables users to upload images and case descriptions to discuss a surgical plan, unique surgical variables, or other information with the XLIF community, enabling successful integration of the technique within their practices.