Transiliac approach to entering a patient's intervertebral space

摘要

The present invention provides methods for percutaneously accessing the patient's intervertebral space by creating an access portal through the patient's ilium and into the patient's intervertebral space. The access portal created by the present invention is preferably at a posterolateral angle, (preferably in the range of 40 to 90 degrees to an anterior-posterior axis through the patient), thereby being at the optimal angle of approach to the intervertebral space for these lower L5/S1 vertebrae. Methods are also provided for advancing surgical instruments through the passage and into the intervertebral space.