An anatomical study of the lumbosacral plexus as related to the minimally invasive transpsoas approach to the lumbar spine

Abstract

This anatomical study suggests that positioning the dilator and/or retractor in a posterior position of the disc space may result in nerve injury to the lumbosacral plexus, especially at the L4-5 level. The risk of injuring inherent nerve branches directed to the psoas muscle as well as injury to the genitofemoral nerve do still exist.