Background:

Minimally invasive approaches for lumbar fusion are aimed at reducing soft tissue injury in order to minimize surgical morbidity and facilitate recovery.

Method:

Applied to lumbar fusion, such an approach is described as a mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Important anatomical landmarks are reviewed. Indications, advantages, and limitations are discussed, and a step-by-step description of the procedure is presented.

Results:

Decompression, fixation, and bone grafting can be achieved efficiently through this approach with lesser blood loss, shorter hospital stay, reduced rate of general complications, and infections as well as a lower readmission rate.

Conclusion:

The mini-open TLIF technique, as presented here, is a safe and efficient procedure to achieve lumbar fusion with a reduced rate of complications related to surgery.