Method and apparatus for performing spine surgery

摘要

Systems and methods are described for correcting sagittal imbalance in a spine including instruments for performing the controlled release of the anterior longitudinal ligament through a lateral access corridor and hyper-lordotic lateral implants.

主权项

1. A method for correcting sagittal imbalance of a lumbar spine, comprising the steps of:
a) creating an operative corridor that provides access to a targeted spinal disc via a lateral approach by inserting an access system along a lateral, trans-psoas path to the targeted spinal disc, the access system comprising a stimulation electrode that is inserted under conditions wherein an electrical stimulation signal is delivered through said stimulation electrode for nerve monitoring when the stimulation electrode is positioned in the lateral, trans-psoas path; b) inserting a cutting device through the lateral operative corridor and severing the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL); and c) connecting an insertion instrument to a first retractor blade forming a portion of the border of the operative corridor, the insertion instrument having an implant for positioning between the adjacent vertebral bodies bordering the targeted disc space coupled thereto; and d) advancing the insertion instrument along the retractor blade to position the implant between the adjacent vertebral bodies.