Abstract
Direct lateral, or extreme lateral, spine surgery usually refers to a minimally invasive technique for approaching the lateral aspect of the spine. It is performed in the lumbar and thoracic spine, using either the retroperitoneal fat pad through the psoas muscle or retropleural planes as a potential space for placement of specialized retractor systems. The unique advantages of direct lateral approaches include minimal blood loss, ample access to the intervertebral disc and vertebral body, and a large surface area to promote fusion.