Advances in Anterolateral Approaches to the Lumbar Spine: A Focus on Technological Developments

A historical overview of the evolution of anterolateral approaches to the lumber spine and associated patient outcomes is presented. In addition, the modern incorporation of new technologies is discussed, including interbody cages, intraoperative image guidance, robotics, augmented reality, and machine learning, which have significantly improved the spine surgery safety and efficacy profile. Current challenges and future directions are also covered, emphasizing the need for further research and development, particularly in robotic assistance and machine learning algorithms.