How I do it? Oblique lumbar interbody fusion at L5S1(OLIF51)

BackgroundOLIF51 retains the advantages of traditional ALIF procedure with good fusion rates and improvement in radiographic parameters and reduces its drawbacks. It has the added advantage of being a minimal access technique.MethodsPreoperative analysis of the vascular anatomy using CT angiography is mandatory. OLIF51 is done in right lateral position using specialized retractor blades and Thompson retractor system. The procedure is similar to OLIF at other levels except for the differences described here. The instruments are specialized for OLIF at L5S1.ConclusionOLIF51 provides an excellent alternative to traditional ALIF.