title: The mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
abstract: The mini-open approach for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is described in detail. Operating room setup and surgical positioning are demonstrated. Our methods of retractor placement and techniques for optimal surgical exposure are discussed. The surgical technique used for decompression and fusion is presented in detail. The surgical pearls and pitfalls of the mini-open TLIF are described and illustrated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Crawford Long Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. vmum@aol.com
authors.forename: Praveen V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Mummaneni
authors.forename: Gerald E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Rodts
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000379:methods; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009873:Operating Rooms; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome