PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Vyas, Daivik B.
AU  - Park, Brian J.
AU  - Wang, Michael Y.
TI  - Nuances of the Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Review
AID  - 10.14444/8713
DP  - 2025 Jan 07
TA  - International Journal of Spine Surgery
PG  - 8713
4099  - https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2025/01/06/8713.short
4100  - https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2025/01/06/8713.full
AB  - Background Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) achieves anterior and posterior spinal arthrodesis through a single approach. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) methods reduce surgical morbidity while achieving positive outcomes.Methods The major MIS-TLIF techniques, from tubular to endoscopic approaches, are reviewed with a discussion on the incorporation of new technologies and a comparative review of their outcomes.Results MIS-TLIF approaches span a spectrum of visualization methods, with technical nuances related to patient and surgeon-specific factors determining optimal fit. To date, the superiority of 1 technique has yet to be definitively determined. Existing techniques may be integrated in a personalized manner to optimize surgical utility.Conclusions Selection of an MIS-TLIF modality relies on a calculus between patient characteristics and surgeon faculty; proper selection can offer significant benefits to patients with spine disease.Clinical Relevance Emerging technologies for MIS-TLIF comprise a major source of development and clinical translation, while the safe and effective use of these techniques promises greater patient benefit in the right populations.