The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery

Ureteral Injury in an Oblique Lateral Approach at the L4–L5 Level: Case Series and Literature Review

Document Type : CASE REPORT

Authors
Matias Leonardo Cullari
Santiago Aguer
Ruy Lloyd
British Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina
10.22038/abjs.2026.92283.4181
Abstract
Ureteral injury in lateral spinal approaches is an uncommon but severe complication, as it may lead to chronic impairment of renal function if not detected early. Due to the nonspecific nature of symptoms, early suspicion and appropriate management are essential for patient outcomes. Contrast-enhanced abdominal and pelvic computed tomography is the standard imaging modality for confirming ureteral injury. We present a case series of ureteral injuries associated with OLIF procedures at the L4–L5 level.
Level of evidence: IV
Keywords
Degenerative spine
Lumbar arthrodesis
OLIF
Ureteral injury
Subjects
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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 14, Issue 10
October 2026
Pages 687-692

  • Receive Date 27 October 2025
  • Accept Date 17 May 2026