ABSTRACT
Objectives To introduce a small incision of anterior extraperitoneal approach to the lumbar spine for single lumbar segment artificial disc replacement. Methods Nine patients suffered from single segment herniation of lumbar intervertebral disc underwent operation of artificial disc replacement. The approach of this operation was with a small incision through medial of left sheath of rectums and access to the retroperitoneal region through extraperitoneal appearance. The clinical and surgical data including the length of incision, length of operation, blood lose, effect and complication of operation were analyzed retrospectively in these 9 patients.Results The average length of incision,time of operation and blood lose was 6 7cm, 150 minutes and 335ml, respectively. The clinical evaluation scales (the 5-point Likert scales for pain, function, economic status, and medication usage) showed great improvement after operation of these patients(P=0 008). No serious complication related with the approach was found. Conclusions The a small anterior incision through peritoneum of left rectus abdominis sheath and access to the retroperitoneal region through extraperitoneal, which can expose the region of lumbar segment from L3 to S1 sufficiently, is a safe and mini-lesion approach for single lumbar segment artificial disc replacement.