Biomechanical Effects of a Unilateral Approach to Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
Figure 3
Capsular facet fibers were marked in each specimen by two observers.
As shown in A, Line 1 and 4 correspond to the lateral and medial facet extent with line 2 the midpoint and 3 at 25% distance from midline. An oblique view in B, shows “traditional open L4/L5 decompression with extent of facet removal (double arrows) and dural decompression (*) shown). AP and lateral radiographs of this decompression are in C and D. Image E represents “wide factectomy” of 40% bilateral medial facet removal.