Minimally invasive lateral access spine surgery

The emergence of minimally invasive lateral access spine surgery has created a revolution in spine treatment. This trend began with the introduction of Extreme Lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

The conversion of more than 15% of lumbar spinal fusion procedures to a lateral approach has been due to the unique advantages of this approach over conventional anterior or posterior surgery. All major purveyors of spinal products and implants have entered this market enthusiastically, and all major spinal societies now conduct annual cadaveric and didactic courses to teach the technique.

As use of the lateral approach in spinal surgery has become more popular, so its diversity and complexity have increased. Nevertheless, coverage in the literature is typically limited to single chapters, and the spinal surgeon seeking to achieve optimal results must rely on chance discussions with colleagues at meetings to learn the latest information. Lateral Access Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery is designed to fill this vacuum.