[Lumbar fusion-Indications and techniques]

Background: Lumbar spinal fusion is an established surgical technique in spine surgery. The goal of spinal fusion is a biomechanically lasting interbody union, which can be accomplished through different surgical approaches, implants and grafts.

Techniques: The mainly surgical techniques used are: posterior lumbar fusion (PLF), posterior interbody lumbar fusion (PLIF), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) and extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF). These procedures, their indications, complications and results are described in this narrative review.