Lateral Transpsoas Interbody Fusion

Abstract

The lateral transpsoas approach to lumbar interbody fusion has gained widespread adoption for a variety of indications. This approach to the interbody space allows for a favorable fusion environment, disc and neuroforaminal height restoration, and powerful alignment correction. Despite its minimally invasive nature, this procedure carries unique risks, the most severe of which include bowel injury, major vascular injury, and lumbosacral plexopathy. This poses a marked learning curve and requires rigorous attention to detail in technique. In this review, we provide a detailed description of our approach to preoperative imaging, patient positioning, and surgical technique, with an emphasis on patient safety and evidence-based decision-making. A brief description of intraoperative neuromonitoring techniques follows. The lateral transpsoas approach to interbody fusion has demonstrated reliable outcomes in regard to fusion rates, pain and function, and deformity correction, all across a widespread variety of lumbar spine pathologies. Here, we depict techniques, pearls, and pitfalls that are critical for any surgeon considering whether to add this technique to their practice.