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Updated: Oct 29, 2026
Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique
Published on: January 23, 2026
Creating a Solid Posterolateral Fusion for a Minimally Invasive Lumbar Spine Surgery: A Technique Article
Benjamin James1, Ebube Emeson, Sohrab Virk
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY.
Study Design:
A technique article.
Objective:
Minimally invasive lumbar spine fusion (MIS fusion) creates a biomechanical construct for bony healing while minimizing soft tissue injury. We offer a novel technique for augmenting fusion within the posterolateral elements of the lumbar spine, which include the facet joint and transverse processes.
Background:
Minimally invasive spinal fusions are designed to limit muscle dissection. We have outlined a process to perform a posterolateral fusion utilizing novel techniques for bone graft placement and creation of a fusion bed.
Materials And Methods:
The article summarizes the surgical technique for MIS fusion in the posterolateral elements. Three cases of a minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, posterolateral fusion/decompression, and a posterolateral fusion in the setting of a lateral lumbar interbody fusion are presented. The associated 1-year postoperative computed tomography scans and patient-reported outcomes are shown.
Results:
The 3 cases of MIS posterolateral lumbar fusion demonstrate fusion mass formation. Patient-reported outcomes also show positive results compared with baseline values for the 3 illustrative cases.
Conclusions:
Posterolateral fusion using MIS techniques can be challenging for surgeons. Our novel technique of bone graft placement with creation of a fusion bed shows positive clinical results.
