This novel unilateral approach to lumbar spinal fixation yielded comparable strength and stiffness when tested for bending in flexion to that of reference standard dorsal approach. This approach is therefore a suitable alternative to the dorsal approach in appropriate lumbar spinal fracture configurations.

Relative to the dorsal approach, the lateral approach improves angle accuracy, bone purchase, and distance between pins, and the aorta and is noninferior with regards to the distance between pins and the spinal canal.