Direct Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Conditions

Major adverse events approximated 8.6% with approach-related complaints of nerve irritation nearing 3.4%. Mild complications occurred in 13.7% of patients. Meralgia paresthetica was a primary approach-related complaint. Most complaints significantly reduced by first postoperative visit. One patient (1.7%) had symptoms lasting over a year that did not adversely affect function. Significant finding related to exposure, that is, 1-versus 2-level cases. Overall morbidity reduction noted by EBL is considerably less compared with the historical cohort. Direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion has proven to be of value.