Introduction The thoracolumbar junction is subject to unique biomechanical forces owing to its existence as a transition zone. The thoracic spine is relatively rigid, largely in part to the costovertebral joints as well as coronally oriented facet joints. In contrast,…
Introduction Revision lumbar surgery is a technically challenging operation that requires careful planning and patient selection. In the case of previous interbody fusion, there are particular considerations the surgeon needs to address when planning a revision operation, such as the…
Introduction Posterior fixation (PF) after lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) is a standard practice in spine surgery. As stand-alone LIF devices and techniques continue to advance, there is debate around the necessity of PF. Data and literature substantiating fusion outcomes is…
Introduction Lumbar interbody fusion is indicated in the treatment of many degenerative lumbar spinal disorders such as spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, trauma, and diskogenic pain of the lumbar spine. Successful outcomes after lumbar interbody fusion are dependent, in large part, on…
Introduction The goals of an interbody fusion device is to restore disk height, create or maintain segmental lordosis, maintain sagittal balance, and restore weight bearing to the anterior column while bony fusion develops. Numerous cage options exist, including cages that…
Introduction Interbody fusion devices aim to provide anterior column support as bony fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies progresses. Irrespective of the material utilized for structural support, depending on exact surgical technique, supplemental graft material should be placed within and/or around…
Introduction Lumbar fusion procedures have become increasingly common for the treatment of various degenerative lumbar spinal conditions. Along with this upsurge is the increased utilization of interbody implants with or without traditional posterolateral instrumentation. The increasing usage of interbody cages…
Introduction Since the early 20th century, spinal fusion has been performed as a therapy for both traumatic and degenerative disorders of the spine. Lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) in particular has proved an effective therapy for a variety of conditions, improving…
Introduction As the population ages, the incidence of lumbar spinal stenosis and the number of available surgical options for its treatment continue to increase. To date, posterolateral spinal fusion via pedicle screw and rod fixation has been regarded as the…
Introduction The pre-psoas oblique lateral approach to the lumbar spine was first described by Mayer et al. in 1997. At that time, the approach was described only for the L2-5 disk spaces and the authors recommended an anterior transabdominal approach to…