Written by Laura Dyrda
Although the lateral approach to spine surgery has been around for a few decades, surgeons are just beginning to fully realize its benefits. Technology has also advanced over time to make the procedure better and offer several benefits for patients and the healthcare system in general.
“Surgeons can achieve a good and strong fusion using the lateral approach, and the patient heals reliably,” says David Raskas, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon with Orthopaedic Sports Medicine & Spine Care Institute in St. Louis. “The PLIFs and TLIFs have a higher non-fusion rate than the lateral approach and that’s a huge benefit. Additionally, the lateral approach allows you to treat lumbar scoliosis with a less invasive approach as well.”
Less invasive surgical technique has proven several benefits in the literature over open procedures, and the lateral MIS surgeries are no exception. The benefits include:
• Patients report less postoperative pain
• Less blood loss and need for transfusions
• Shorter hospital stays — even sometimes performed outpatient
• Quicker recovery and return-to-work times
“The minimally invasive lateral approach certainly allows patients to return-to-work or s The minimally invasive lateral approach certainly allows patients a quicker return to work, and may aid in faster healing and improved quality of life than traditional open approaches,” says Dr. Raskas.
