Minimally Invasive Approaches for Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2019 Jul;30(3):305-312. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.02.004. Epub 2019 Apr 19.

Abstract

The unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression initially was described in the late 1990s and has evolved in conjunction with minimally invasive surgical instrumentation. This technique has been shown to significantly improve bilateral symptoms regardless of the side of approach. It also can be used for multilevel decompressions using the slalom technique with alternating lateralizing sites of access. The over-the-top technique involving a unilateral approach for bilateral decompression helps preserve the posterior tension band and can accomplish the operative goals with better clinical outcomes than traditional open approaches.

Keywords: Laminectomy; Lumbar stenosis; Minimally invasive; Spondylolisthesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Decompression, Surgical*
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Spinal Stenosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Stenosis / surgery*
  • Spondylolisthesis / diagnostic imaging
  • Spondylolisthesis / surgery*