Percutaneous Instrumentation of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

The development of percutaneous instrumentation systems has been a significant milestone in the ability of surgeons to perform complex spinal procedures through minimally invasive approaches. These systems rely on cannulated screws or portal systems and using intraoperative imaging to allow accurate placement of the spinal implants without a full traditional exposure of the spine. This article reviews the operative concepts and techniques used to place percutaneous instrumentation in the thoracolumbar spine.