Anterior Longitudinal Ligament Release: Pros, Cons, and Technical Considerations

Abstract

Lippincott Continuing Medical Education Institute, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Lippincott Continuing Medical Education Institute, Inc., designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. To earn CME credit, you must read the CME article and complete the quiz and evaluation assessment survey on the enclosed form, answering at least 70% of the quiz questions correctly. This activity expires on August 31, 2022. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After participating in this CME activity, the spine surgeon should be better able to: 1. Describe regional anatomy of the lumbosacral plexus, iliopsoas muscle, and spinal column. 2. Identify pitfalls to avoid during lateral access and anterior longitudinal ligament release surgery. 3. Interpret advanced technical aspects of the lateral lumbar retroperitoneal approach and anterior longitudinal ligament release.