Navigated Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion

The oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) provides the spine surgeon with an additional technique to address lumbar spine pathology. The use of navigation has facilitated the ease of use of this technique while minimizing radiation exposure to the operating surgeon. There are distinct advantages to this technique, including avoiding the lumbar plexus within the psoas muscle, the use of navigation to avoid radiation exposure to the operating room staff, and the ability to include L5–S1 interbody placement while in a lateral position. However, the OLIF has a unique complication profile that warrants thorough understanding of the anatomy and the approach when implementing this technique in practice.