Fig. 1

Schema of the approach. a Schema on a CT axial image. The approach for mELIF is more lateral than that of TLIF. The spinal canal is not surgically invaded. b Drawing from the posterior direction. A TR is placed on the lateral edge of the facet joint. Abbreviations: CT, computed tomography; mELIF, microendoscopy-assisted extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; TLIF, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion; TR, tubular retractor; OLIF, oblique lumbar interbody fusion; XLIF, extreme lumbar interbody fusion; PLIF, posterior lumbar interbody fusion