# Optimizing Single-Position Prone Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Exoscopic Technology: A Review of Key Innovations

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how new technologies like exoscopes improve minimally invasive spine surgery, particularly for a specific lateral approach.

## Contribution

The novel application of exoscopes in navigation-guided proLIF surgery is highlighted for its ergonomic and visualization benefits.

## Key findings

- Exoscopes provide high-resolution, three-dimensional visualization during proLIF.
- Exoscopes improve surgeon ergonomics and maneuverability in minimally invasive spine surgery.
- Combining emerging technologies enhances outcomes in single-position prone lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

## Abstract

Minimally invasive spine surgery has advanced significantly over the past decade, integrating technologies such as intraoperative navigation, robotics, and artificial intelligence with innovative techniques such as single-position prone lateral transpsoas lumbar interbody fusion (proLIF). While proLIF offers excellent clinical outcomes for a wide range of lumbar pathologies, the lateral approach to lumbar spine presents technical and ergonomic challenges, including an increased need for soft-tissue dissection and unfavorable ergonomics for surgeons. This review details how the combination of emerging technologies has been applied in minimally invasive lumbar spine surgery. It also describes the novel application of an exoscope during navigation-guided proLIF. The benefits offered by the exoscope included high-resolution, three-dimensional visualization, enhanced maneuverability, and improved surgeon ergonomics. By combining emerging technologies with novel surgical approaches, this review demonstrates the recent advancements in minimally invasive spine surgery and underscores the exoscope’s potential to enhance visualization and optimize ergonomics for surgeons.