ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the minimally invasive surgical techniques might be applied to the field of motion-sparing technology within the lumbar region of the spine. It focuses on three primary approaches that appear useful for motion-sparing implants including the anterior miniopen retroperitoneal approach, direct lateral approach, and Wiltse paramedian posterior approach. Low back pain surgery is performed most commonly at this time for symptoms related to degenerative disc disease. The spectrum of motionsparing technology in development includes nucleus replacement, artificial disc replacement, posterior motion sparing implants, and facet joint replacement. Minimally invasive spinal surgery is a family of surgical techniques that are aimed at reducing the iatrogenic damage to the soft tissues surrounding the spine during spinal surgery. The clinical evaluation must begin with a thorough history and physical examination of the patient. The patient is encouraged to sit and flex as soon as possible after the procedure, but spinal extension is limited for the first six weeks after implantation.
