Artificial disc replacement at L1-2 through an anterolateral approach: Report of two cases and review of surgical techniques
Won Joong Kim1, Soo-Taek Lim1, Sang-Ho Lee2
1Departments of Orthopedics Surgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea
2Departments of Neurosurgery, Wooridul Spine Hospital, Seoul, Korea
Keywords: Intervertebral disk displacement/surgery; lumbar vertebrae/surgery; prostheses and implants; spinal fusion/methods.
Abstract
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is usually performed through anterior midline approaches from L5-S1 up to L2-3 segment. However, in the L1-2 segment, ADR through a midline approach is often difficult due to the existence of renal vessels. We report two patients with juxtafusional degeneration syndrome at the L1-2 segment. Artificial disc replacement was performed through an anterolateral approach and was completed without any intraoperative complications. The patients were allowed to ambulate on the first postoperative day with a light corset. Artificial disc replacement through an anterolateral approach may be useful in the upper lumbar segments when kidney and renal vessels preclude a direct anterior approach.