STAC Technique

STAC MIS Technique
Sequential Transforaminal Allograft Cage

One of the challenges facing minimally invasive TLIF procedures has been the disappointing results related to the small footprint of the interbody cage.

The small footprint can lead to subsidence, pseudoarthrodesis and poor outcomes. Conversely, ALIF and lateral techniques offer implants with much larger footprints, but these procedures also present their own challenges.

The STAC MIS technique allows the surgeon to implant a large interbody construct similar in size to an ALIF or lateral procedure but through an MIS TLIF approach. Basically, the STAC technique offers the best of both worlds.

The procedure is made possible through the development of the SpineCraft PANORAMA retractor that includes a proprietary axial opening, which greatly expands the working freedom in the disc plane. Click here to learn more about the PANORAMA retractor.

The STAC interbody construct consist of 3 implants sequentially placed in the disc space. The outside implants are trapezoidal synthetic TLIF cages that surround a midline PLIF cage. The combination of implants results in an osteoconductive ALIF-size footprint, reducing subsidence while creating an optimal environment for fusion.

STAC Footprint

Steve Mather MD, DuPage Medical Group:

“I developed the STAC technique in response to patient demand for MIS procedures. Based on my training as an Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship in Orthopedic Biomechanics & Arthritis I wanted to offer a procedure that combined the benefits of an MIS TLIF approach with the mechanical stability achieved from an ALIF or Lateral procedure.

The PANORAMA retractor and STAC implants gave us the tools to develop a safe and reproducible technique that we have been performing for over 2 years. I am very happy with our results and more importantly, my patients are healing well and doing great.”