We have modified the original mini-ALIF by using a cage technique to eliminate posterior fusion in patients presenting with lumbago. Twenty-eight individuals have been treated with this technique. All but 2 individuals were evaluated with discography for the responsible level suitable for discectomy and fusion. Twenty-one of the 26 patients presented with discogenic pain concomitant with the usual home pain. A retroperitoneal approach employing a minimal opening technique was applied for all patients, after which discectomy was followed by Mayer's original technique and cage fixation. Patients were allowed to walk on the postoperative first day, fitted with a soft corset. The average follow-up period has been 14 months. Pain relief achieved excellent results in 11, good in 14, fair in 2 and poor in 1. The mean improvement rate was 60.5% evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. In conclusion, the present technique for the treatment of lumbar spinal disorders has proved to be safe and useful in terms of minimally invasive surgery.
