Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2025
Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique
Published on: July 15, 2021
Robotic-assisted single-position lateral for multilevel circumferential lumbar interbody fusion: how I do it
Luis A Robles1, Sumedh Shah2, Timur Urakov2
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. lar348@miami.edu.
Background:
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion supplemented with insertion of pedicle screws is a surgical procedure that has gained popularity in the last years, becoming an important tool in the armamentarium of spine surgeons. In recent years, there is a trend to complete both procedures in a single position, thus avoiding flipping the patient prone to insert the pedicle screws.
Methods:
We describe a step-by-step workflow of the robotic-assisted technique for multilevel lateral lumbar interbody fusion supplemented with posterior instrumentation. The surgical procedure is performed in a single lateral position. For access to L4-5 or L5-S1, an oblique abdominal incision is performed in the same position, and the desired disc space is approached through an oblique or anterior corridor in the retroperitoneal space.
Conclusion:
Robotic-assisted single-position lateral for multilevel circumferential lumbar interbody fusion is a safe and effective procedure in patients where lumbar stabilization is required. This technique provides patients with a faster recovery and low risk of complications.
