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Published on: January 23, 2026
The Wiltse paraspinal approach in lumbar surgery: A systematic review
Thania de Oca Mora1, Jonathan Samuel Zuñiga Cordova2, Daniel Sánchez3
1Department of Neurosurgery and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, Universidad La Salle, Facultad Mexicana de Medicina, CMDX, Mexico.
Background:
The Wiltse paraspinal approach utilizes the natural cleavage plane between the multifidus and longissimus muscles to minimize tissue trauma. Despite its integration into minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS), standardized evidence across anatomical and clinical domains remains fragmented.
Methods:
A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review was conducted across major medical databases through June 2024.
Results:
A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Anatomical evidence confirmed a reproducible intermuscular plane, most identifiable at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels. Technically, the approach provided effective exposure for decompressions and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions. Clinical comparisons demonstrated significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss and lower early postoperative pain versus conventional midline approaches, with equivalent long-term outcomes.
Conclusion:
The Wiltse approach is a reliable, muscle-sparing technique and remains a cornerstone of contemporary MISS.
