ObjectiveTo analyze the relative position between lumbar plexus and access corridor of minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach based on magnetic resonance imaging distribution of lumbar plexus by three dimensional reconstruction technique, so as to evaluate approach safety. MethodsThree-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition sequences of lumbar spine were performed on 71 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases between July 2012 and January 2015. The axial image distance between the anterior edge of lumbar plexus and sagittal central perpendicular line (SCPL) of disc was determined using the distance formula at the mid-disc space from L1, 2 to L4, 5 level. SCPL was drawn perpendicularly to the sagittal plane of intervertebral disc and it passed through its central point, which is initial dilator trajectory for transpsoas approach. With respect to the SCPL of disc, the distance with a positive value indicated neural tissue posterior to it whereas anterior to it represented by a negative value. ResultsVarious branches of lumbar plexus which passed through the psoas major anterior to the SCPL of disc were identified in 42 (59.2%), 58 (81.7%), and 70 (98.6%) patients at L2, 3, L3, 4, and L4, 5 levels, respectively. It is possible to infer the presence of genitofemoral nerve in accordance with relevant anatomic research. A ventral migration of intrapsoas nerves is identified from L1, 2 to L4, 5 level. All differences between levels were statistically significant (P < 0.05). ConclusionWith respect to the SCPL of disc, a pass way of guide wire or a radiographic reference landmark to place working channel, lumbar plexus lie posterior to it from L1, 2 to L3, 4 level and shift anteriorly to it at L4, 5 level, while genitofemoral nerve locate anterior to the SCPL from L2, 3 to L4, 5 level. Neural retraction may take place during sequential dilation of working channel especially at L4, 5 level.