Minimally invasive approaches for the correction of adult spinal deformity

INTRODUCTION: Spinal deformity surgery is historically associated with significant blood loss and medical complications. Minimally invasive deformity correction is a promising approach to spinal deformity surgery where deformity correction and fusion can be achieved with less tissue trauma, reduced blood loss and potentially less complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We discuss technical aspects of minimally invasive deformity correction, review the transpsoas and presacral approaches for discectomy and fusion, and review multilevel posterior percutaneous pedicle instrumentation and rod placement for deformity correction. We also review our results using these techniques and review the literature regarding outcomes in this emerging area of spinal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive deformity correction is a promising method of spinal deformity correction. Early clinical results are similar to open techniques, with reduced blood loss and less complications than traditional approaches. Meticulous technique and careful patient selection are required for good results and to avoid complications.