The surgical procedure of unilateral stand-alone cages has some advantages compared to bilateral interbody fusion with pedicle screw fixation; the technique is straightforward and less time-consuming, the implant cost is lower, and pedicle screw- related complications are avoided. However, there are also some disadvantages. The complication rate of nerve root injury and dural tear is relatively high, which could be explained by the fact that some procedures include revision surgery with associated peridural fibrosis. The rough surface of the TM cage may also result in dural tear when the surgical corridor is less widely exposed as in medial facetectomy in cases with additional pedicle screw fixation.