Minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and percutaneous pedicle fixation-A preliminary experience

The use of minimally invasive decompression, TLIF, and percutaneous lumbar pedicle screw placement in spinal patients offers several distinct advantages over conventional open surgery. It eliminates the need for a large midline incision and significant paraspinous muscle dissection. Pedicle screws and rod insertion are placed through stab incisions. Paraspinous muscles are bluntly split compared with complete dissection, leading to potentially shorter periods of hospital stay and recovery. Blood loss and tissue injuries are minimized. The goal of this minimally invasive surgery is to minimize approach-related morbidity while retaining the same results as more traditional invasive approaches. Certainly, preliminary experience with the procedure has been promising.