Open AccessUSE OF A VENTRAL CERVICAL RETRACTOR SYSTEM FOR MINIMAL ACCESS TRANSFORAMINAL LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION
Author(s) -
Michael P. Steinmetz,
Daniel K. Resnick
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
operative neurosurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.791
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 2332-4260
pISSN - 2332-4252
DOI - 10.1227/01.neu.0000249237.43354.d9
Subject(s) - retractor , medicine , surgery , lumbar , limiting , foraminotomy , spinal fusion , cervical spine , mechanical engineering , engineering
Interbody lumbar fusion techniques have become increasingly popular because of improved rates of fusion, restoration of disc and foraminal height, and promotion of lordosis. Morbidity has been associated with the exposure for these fusions, potentially leading to muscle injury, trunk muscle weakness, and pain. Minimal access surgery has been advocated to limit the exposure related morbidity. Tubular retractors are available, which allow dilation of the muscle through a small incision. The downside of these dilators is the expense required to use them and a generally cumbersome design, which can limit mobility and medial/lateral exposure.