Pre-psoas approaches for thoracolumbar interbody fusion

Interbody arthrodesis techniques are a useful method to achieve fusion, indirectly decompress neurologic structures, and correct deformity in the lumbar spine. The increasing popularity of minimally invasive surgery has led to an increased interest in anterior interbody fusion techniques. The antepsoas approach to lumbar interbody fusion is a useful technique that combines the benefits of ALIF and LLIF. This approach allows anterior access to the entire lumbar spine in a single lateral position, facilitates placement of a large interbody cage, and traverses a corridor that avoids the great vessels and lumbar plexus.