Role of Lateral Fusion in Deformity Surgery

Various techniques exist to surgically treat adult spinal deformity. Traditionally, anterior-based or posterior-based procedures with or without the addition of osteotomies were utilized. More recently, lateral-based approaches to correcting deformity have become more established and widely utilized. This may include the use of large footprint interbody devices with varying degrees of lordosis. Additionally, more powerful corrective techniques via lateral approach include anterior column release of the anterior longitudinal ligament and corpectomy. These present with unique risks that are typically related to the lateral approach, however, have been shown to reduce blood loss, decrease neurologic risk, and morbidity as they can be done through a less invasive approach. This review presents the variable deformity correction techniques that are available to the spinal surgeon, as well as the evidence and evolution of lateral-based techniques.