Spinal Implants and ancillaries consist of screws, plates, bits, rods and cages that are used in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF) is a minimally-invasive procedure used to treat leg or back pain generally caused by degenerative disc disease. Degenerative spine disease is a conditions which involves the gradual loss of normal structure and function of the spine over time. They are usually caused by aging, which age-related wear and tear on a spinal disc causes low back pain. The procedure is performed through the patient's side, avoiding the major muscles of the back.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for medical supplies or medical services necessary for the delivery of care and treatment at medical, dental, or veterinary teaching facilities utilized by SIU or U of I (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b-5)) NuVasive Inc. Spinal Implants and ancillaries have to do with direct patient care. Without the NuVasive Inc. Spinal Implants the hospital would not be able to offer lateral lumbar interbody fusion (XLIF) procedures, which in tern would drive patients elsewhere and a loss in revenue to the hospital.