Laparoscopic approaches to fusion of the lumbosacral spine: latest techniques.

The particular advantages of interbody cages include the beneficial effects on bone healing associated with the anterior column location (Wolff's Law), the stabilization potential in appropriate motion segments, the ability to restore anterior column height and foraminal volume, and the avoidance of the fusion disease phenomenon. These advantages do not depend on whether the approach of insertion is open or laparoscopic. The specific and demonstrated chief benefit of the laparoscopic approach to interbody cage insertion is the reduction in surgical morbidity.