Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
08:38
Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique
Published on: July 15, 2021
Anatomic considerations in lumbar posterolateral percutaneous procedures
S R Mirkovic1, D G Schwartz, K D Glazier
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Spine
|September 15, 1995
Summary
This study determined the safe zones for percutaneous lumbar procedures. Optimal cannula sizes and insertion points were identified to enhance safety in intradiscal interventions.
Area of Science:
- Spinal anatomy
- Minimally invasive spinal surgery
Background:
- Percutaneous lumbar procedures utilize working cannulas.
- Literature lacks clarity on safe zones and optimal cannula sizes for these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the dimensions of the "safe zone" for percutaneous intradiscal procedures.
- Identify safe insertion points and the largest safe working cannula diameter.
Main Methods:
- Anatomical dissection of 96 foraminal levels in 12 human cadaveric spines (L2-S1).
- Measurement of safe zone dimensions and two cannula diameters (C1 and C2) based on insertion points.
Main Results:
- The average triangular safe zone measured 18.9 mm wide and 12.3 mm high.
- Maximum C1 diameter ranged from 5.0-10.0 mm with insertion in the medial one third of the pedicle.
- Maximum C2 diameter ranged from 4.0-8.9 mm with insertion in the midline of the pedicle.
Conclusions:
- A 7.5-mm cannula in line with the medial one third of the pedicle is safe.
- A 6.3-mm cannula in the midline of the pedicle is also considered safe.
