Techniques/Brau
The anterior approach to the lumbar spine is heavily dependent on the ability of the access surgeon to provide exposure quickly and safely in view of a reported incidence of vascular injury. The requirement of a "straight on" anterior-posterior exposure for alignment of cages and artificial discs has presented a significant challenge for the approach surgeon to provide a small incision and yet maintain the degree of safety necessary to prevent injury to the iliac vessels and autonomic nerve plexus. The approach described here utilizing the Brau Anterior Lumbar Spine Kit, significantly reduces these concerns.