Introduction Each year in the United States more than 250,000 individuals undergo spinal fusions for degenerative lumbar spine pathology. Minimally invasive techniques for posterior lumbar interbody fusion offer the benefits…

Introduction The anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a powerful and versatile tool for obtaining interbody fusion for a variety of conditions. Anterior fusion for disk disease was first described…

Introduction Minimally invasive spine surgery has gained much popularity in recent years owing to the reductions in patient morbidity, length of hospital stay, and costs. Although these short-term outcomes have…

Introduction Posterior lumbar interbody fusion techniques have been popular since the 1950. Specifically, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) was a very popular technique; however, it required removal of both facets…

Introduction Anterior and lateral approaches to the lumbar spine are performed with increasing frequency and for a wider range of indications. To avoid complications and maximize patient outcomes, a clear…

Introduction This chapter provides an overview of the contemporary literature on lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) instrumentation based on the Spine Patient Outcome Research Trial, Swedish Spinal Stenosis Study, and a…

Introduction The typical lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae that are connected in series and permit motion between each segment. Each lumbar vertebra is an anatomically complex structure that consists…

Introduction As with any surgical procedure, interbody fusions are associated with unique complications. Given the wide variety of approaches utilized when performing an interbody fusion, it is important to recognize…