Methods and Apparatus for Performing Spine Surgery

A method for correcting saggital imbalance of a lumbar spine, comprising the steps of:

• inserting an access system along a lateral, trans-psoas path to a target site on the lumbar spine to create an operative corridor to the target site;
• preparing the intervertebral space between first and second vertebra of the lumbar spine for receipt of an intervertebral implant, the intervertebral space being at least partially defined by an anterior aspect, a posterior aspect, and opposing first and second lateral aspects;
• advancing a tissue retractor through the operative corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path to a protective position in which a protective head of the tissue retractor is positioned between the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) and the anterior vasculature, the tissue retractor protective head including an inner surface that faces the ALL and an outer surface that that faces the anterior vasculature when the tissue retractor is in the protective position, a distal end of the protective head being curved such that the distal end curves around the anterior aspect of the target site,
• advancing a cutting blade along the inner surface of the tissue retractor protective head and severing the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament (ALL) with the cutting blade;
• and
• advancing and intervertebral implant through the operative corridor along the lateral, trans-psoas path and depositing the intervertebral implant into the intervertebral disc space.