Maximal access surgery for posterior lumbar interbody fusion with divergent, cortical bone trajectory pedicle screws: A good option to minimize spine access and maximize the field for nerve decompression

First advocated by Santoni et al. in 2009, the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) pedicle screw technique is an alternative to the traditional, convergent technique that shows comparable biomechanical features and potentially requires less aggressive tissue retraction. Aim of this therapeutical note is to describe this new technique focusing on main advantages and limitations.