Comparative Review of Lateral and Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technique, Outcomes, and Complications

Minimally invasive spinal surgery has made tremendous progress. The retroperitoneal lateral lumbar interbody fusion and oblique lumbar interbody fusion techniques are increasingly used to treat a variety of lumbar spinal conditions. As with other minimally invasive techniques, the theoretical advantages include reduced blood loss, improved postoperative pain due to less retraction and smaller incisions, faster recovery, and eliminating the need for an approach surgeon. It allows the placement of a large cage that spans the apophyses and enables the achievement of indirect decompression as well as coronal and sagittal deformity correction. As experience grows and the techniques evolve further, indications might be expanded beyond their current limitations. However, as these techniques continue to grow in popularity, evidence-based risk-stratification systems are required. This study reviews the literature about the development and application of lateral lumbar interbody fusion and oblique lumbar interbody fusion, with a discussion of its outcomes, approach-related complications specific to the lateral technique, and areas of new research.