Complications associated with the dorsolateral muscle-separating approach for thoracolumbar disk fenestration in the...

In a series of over 125 cases, complications associated with the dorsolateral muscle-separating approach for thoracolumbar intervertebral disk fenestration have been pneumothorax, hemorrhage, and neuromuscular deficits. Most of the complications were neuromuscular in origin and of short duration. It was concluded that the approach provides excellent visualization and is rapid, precise, and unlikely to lead to permanent complications.