A novel minimally invasive presacral approach and instrumentation technique for anterior L5-S1 intervertebral discectomy and fusion: technical description and case presentations.

OBJECT: The authors describe a new paracoccygeal approach to the L5-S1 junction for interbody fusion with transsacral instrumentation. The purpose of this technical note is to demonstrate a novel surgical approach, technique, and instrumentation system for the treatment of L5-S1 instability in degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis.

METHODS: This technical note highlights the AxiaLif (TranS1) transsacral system as an alternative method to transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Via a novel presacral approach corridor, a truly percutaneous L5-S1 discectomy, interbody distraction, and fixation are achieved, and retroperitoneal viscera and dorsal neural elements are avoided. Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation is then used to provide additional stabilization at the treated level.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel technique of interbody distraction and fusion via a truly percutaneous approach corridor allows for circumferential treatment of the lower lumbar segments with minimal risk to the anterior organs and dorsal neural elements.