Comparison of Complication Rates Between Lateral Approaches to the Lumbar Spine

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of DDD with up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis, confirmed clinically and radiographically, requiring surgical intervention at one or two contiguous levels between L2-S1 * Inadequate response to conservative medical care over a period of at least 6 months * Willing and able to comply with the requirements of the protocol including follow-up requirements * Willing and able to sign a study specific informed consent * Skeletally mature and ≥ 18 years of age at the time of enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Previous anterior/posterior/lateral spine surgery at the index level * Previous posterior/lateral spine surgery (e.g., posterior element decompression) that destabilizes the lumbar spine * Active systemic infection or infection at the operative site * Co-morbid medical conditions of the spine or upper/lower extremities that may affect the lumbar spine neurological and/or pain assessment * Metabolic bone disease such as osteoporosis that contradicts spinal surgery * History of an osteoporotic fracture * History of an endocrine or metabolic disorder (e.g., Paget's disease) known to affect bone and mineral metabolism * Taking medications that may interfere with bony/soft tissue healing including chronic steroid use * Known allergy to titanium, cobalt chrome or PEEK * Rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disease or a systemic disorder such as HIV, active hepatitis B or C or fibromyalgia * Current medical condition (e.g., unstable cardiac disease, c…