title: Direct lateral access lumbar and thoracolumbar fusion: preliminary results.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinical outcomes and complications in a consecutive series of extreme lateral interbody fusion cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective cohort review of 97 consecutive patients from three centers with minimum 6-month follow-up (mean 12 months). Functional status was evaluated by preoperative and last follow-up Oswestry Disability Index score. Leg and back pain were evaluated by visual analog scales. Complications were recorded and permanent complications and neurological impairment was actively investigated at last follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No permanent neurological impairment, vascular or visceral injuries were observed. Transient neurological symptoms presented in 7% of cases, all resolved within 1 month from surgery. Transient thigh discomfort was observed in 9%. Clinical success was recorded in 92% of cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extreme lateral interbody fusion is a safe and effective technique for anterior interbody fusion.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy. pberjano@gmail.com
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Berjano
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Balsano
authors.forename: Josip
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Buric
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petruzzi
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lamartina
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001416:Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005060:Europe; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome