Microscopic Anterior Neural Decompression Combined with Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion-A Technical Note

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) techniques generally rely on deformity correction to achieve indirect neural decompression. However, indirect neural decompression will not always be sufficient. Thus, a second procedure, such as posterior direct decompression, will be added for full decompression, increasing the surgical morbidity and healthcare costs. We have described a technique of direct anterior microscopic neural decompression combined with OLIF.

Methods: We report our surgical technique of anterior lumbar neural microscopic decompression with OLIF with patients in the lateral position. We also report the cases of 3 patients treated from March 2018 to June 2018.

Results: Three patients underwent anterior microscopic neural decompression combined with OLIF in the lateral position. All 3 patients achieved clinically and radiologically significant neural decompression and deformity correction. No perioperative complications developed.

Conclusion: Direct anterior microscopic neural decompression is feasible and safe in selected patients undergoing OLIF.

Keywords: Direct neural decompression; Microscopic decompression; Oblique lumbar interbody fusion.