Oblique corridor
Learn about gaining access to the oblique corridor to access the L2-L5 and L5-S1 disc spaces.
Oblique corridor
The oblique corridor allows surgical access to the L2-S1 disc space without repositioning or flipping the patient, and without breaking the table.
The oblique corridor can facilitate large cage placement for segmental lumbar lordosis and disc height restoration. It also enables visualization of the anterior longitudinal ligament (ALL).
L2-L5 oblique corridor
The L2-L5 oblique corridor is the space in the retroperitoneum between the lateral border of major vessels and the antero-medial border of the psoas on an axial MRI. In the OLIF25 procedure, the oblique corridor is accessed through the patient's left side.
L5-S1 oblique corridor
The L5-S1 oblique corridor is defined as the space in the retroperitoneum between the mid-sagittal point of the inferior endplate of L5 and medial border of the common iliac vessels on axial MRI.
In the OLIF51 procedure, the L5-S1 disc space is accessed between the bifurcation of the common iliac vasculature. In most cases the bifurcation of the aorta and vena cava are located at the level of the L4 vertebral body.