Figure 1 The subdiaphragmatic extraperitoneal approach: (A) expose and remove the 12th rib; (B) cut the abdominal wall muscles at the end of the ribbed bed and enter the extraperitoneum; (C) expose the psoas and square muscles; (D) cut the diaphragm and psoas attachment points lateral-anterior of the affected vertebra, push the crura of diaphragm upward, push the psoas away from the vertebra, and expose the L1–2 vertebral body and disc.