Minimal access spinal surgery(MASS),a new minimally invasive technique,has been developed on the basis of classic minimally invasive spinal surgery(MISS).With some special equipments,this procedure can reduce approach-related morbidity and collateral damage to surrounding tissues,and can be performed under direct visualization of the spine.The MASS combines the merits of MISS and traditional open procedures,and comparable results can be obtained while decreasing approach-related complications and learning curve.Now,the application of MASS has become more frequent in clinical practice due to its favourable characteristics in curative effect,postoperative recovery and economic efficacy.