The mini-open approach for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is described in detail. Operating room setup and surgical positioning are demonstrated. ⋯ The surgical technique used for decompression and fusion is presented in detail. The surgical pearls and pitfalls of the mini-open TLIF are described and illustrated.
Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. vmum@aol.com
Neurosurgery. 2005 Oct 1; 57 (4 Suppl): 256-61; discussion 256-61.
AbstractThe mini-open approach for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is described in detail. Operating room setup and surgical positioning are demonstrated. Our methods of retractor placement and techniques for optimal surgical exposure are discussed. The surgical technique used for decompression and fusion is presented in detail. The surgical pearls and pitfalls of the mini-open TLIF are described and illustrated.