Neural decompression in challenging cases: advantages and disadvantages.

Publication Type	Review
Authors	Schmidt F, Navarro-Ramirez R, Chang L, Kirnaz S, Wipplinger C, Härtl R
Journal	J Neurosurg Sci
Volume	63
Issue	5
Pagination	541-547
Date Published	04/02/2019
ISSN	1827-1855
Keywords	Decompression, Surgical, Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Lumbar Vertebrae, Spinal Stenosis
Abstract	The peculiarity of extreme lateral interbody fusion (LLIF) is the achievement of indirect neural decompression of the spinal canal while distracting the intervertebral disc space using an interbody cage. In this manuscript we will review the potentials and limitations of this technique when treating degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. A literature search of the PubMed-National Library of Medicine was performed. Only articles in English were included. The current available literature demonstrates that LLIF is an effective method to decompress foraminal and central canal stenosis. Based on the current available literature LLIF effects on lateral recess stenosis are less consistent. The aim of this review is to provide with a thorough overview of the latest literature available and provide the audience with targeted-oriented published results that will eventually improve the decision-making process when using the LLIF technique.
DOI	10.23736/S0390-5616.19.04705-2
PubMed ID	30942055