title: Unilateral transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF): indications, technique, and 2-year results.
abstract: A prospective analysis of consecutive cases of lumbar fusion using the unilateral transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique with pedicle screw fixation. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcome of TLIF and describe the technique and indications in the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Forty patients treated with TLIF for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine were followed up for a minimum of 2.5 years (mean: 36 months; range: 30-42 months). Twenty-three patients had degenerative disc disease alone, 13 had associated isthmic or degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 4 had recurrent disc herniations at the L4-L5 level. Thirty-six (90%) had solid fusions radiographically at latest follow-up. Seventy-nine percent had excellent or good clinical outcomes. Our patients demonstrated high fusion rates and patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Woodridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center, P.C., and The University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80033, USA. woodridgeortho@aol.com
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: A David
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Tahernia
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: David A B
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001416:Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome