Step-by-step guide to robotic-guided minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF)

Robotics in spinal surgery offers a promising potential to refine and improve the minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) technique. Suitable surgeons for this technique include those who are already familiar with robotic-guided lumbar pedicle screw placement and want to advance their skillset by incorporating posterior-based interbody fusion. We provide a step-by-step guide for robotic-guided MI-TLIF. The procedure is divided into 7 practical and detailed techniques. The steps in sequential order include: (I) planning trajectories for pedicle screws and the tubular retractor; (II) robotic-guided pedicle screw placement; (III) placement of tubular retractor; (IV) unilateral facetectomy using the surgical microscope; (V) discectomy & disc preparation; (VI) interbody implant insertion; and (VII) percutaneous rod placement. We standardize surgeon training in robotic MI-TLIF by teaching our spine surgery fellows these 7 key technical steps highlighted in this guide. Current-generation robotics offers integrated navigation capability, K-wireless placement of pedicle screws through a rigid robotic arm, compatibility with tubular retractor systems to perform facetectomy, and allows for placement of interbody devices. We have found robotic-guided MI-TLIF to be a safe procedure that allows for accurate and reliable pedicle screw placement, less collateral damage to the soft tissues of the low back, and decreased radiation exposure.