Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Novel Mini-open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Published on: June 6, 2025
Minimally disruptive decompression and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Burak M Ozgur1, Samuel A Hughes, Lissa C Baird
1Division of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, 200 West Arbor Dr., #8893, San Diego, CA 92103-8893, USA. bozgur@ucsd.edu
Background:
Posterior spinal procedures through tubular exposures have been described. However, tubes restrain visibility and require co-axial instrument manipulation, increasing difficulty and potentially compromising surgical results. An independent-blade retractor system overcomes the obstacles of working through a tube and has been used to perform minimally-disruptive decompression and instrumented tranforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).
Purpose:
To evaluate the advantages to patient recovery and surgical efficacy of this technique.
Methods/Results:
Retrospective review of technique employing a minimally-disruptive approach to decompression and transforaminal lumber interbody fusion (TLIF).
Conclusions:
Minimally-disruptive decompression and instrumented TLIF can be performed in a safe and effective manner using an independent-blade retractor system. Relative to traditional-open techniques, surgical goals can be accomplished, but with the benefits of minimally-disruptive surgery.
