title: The role of minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion in sagittal balance correction and spinal deformity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The recent proliferation of minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) techniques has drawn attention to potential for these techniques to control or correct sagittal misalignment in adult spinal deformity. We systemically reviewed published studies related to LLIF use in adult spinal deformity treatment with emphasis on radiographic assessment of sagittal balance.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review was conducted to examine studies focusing on sagittal balance restoration in adult degenerative scoliosis with the LLIF approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen publications, 12 retrospective and 2 prospective, reported data regarding lumbar lordosis correction (1,266 levels in 476 patients) but only two measured global sagittal alignment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LLIF appears to be especially effective when the lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance correction goals are less than 10° and 5 cm, respectively. However, the review demonstrated a lack of consistent reporting on sagittal balance restoration with the MIS LLIF techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Polo Pontino, University of Rome Sapienza, Via Bertero 49, 00156, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Costanzo
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zoccali
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Maykowski
authors.forename: Christina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: Jesse
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skoch
authors.forename: Ali A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Baaj
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008141:Lordosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D004856:Postural Balance; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion