Anatomic Mapping of Lumbar Nerve Roots During a Direct Lateral Transpsoas Approach to the Spine

Abstract

On the basis of our results, there is no zone of absolute safety when using the direct lateral transpsoas approach. The potential for nerve injury exists when using this approach, and consequently, we recommend either direct visualization of the nerve roots intraoperatively and/or the use of neuromonitoring. In our opinion, a higher quality, larger clinical study that examines the outcomes and surgical complications of the direct lateral transpsoas approach is warranted.