Minimally invasive transforaminal lumber interbody fusion and degenerative lumbar spine disease.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease.


METHODS
A prospective analysis of 34 consecutive patients who underwent a MI-TLIF using image guidance between July 2008 and November 2010. The patient group comprised 19 males and 15 females (mean age 56), 23 of whom had undergone additional reduction of spondylolisthesis. All patients underwent post-operative CT imaging to assess pedicle screw, cage placement and fusion at 6 months. Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were recorded pre-operatively and at 6-month follow up.


RESULTS
33/34 (97.1%) patients showed evidence of fusion at 6 months with a mean improvement of 27 on ODI scores. The mean length of hospital stay was 4 days. The mean operative time was 173 min. COMPLICATIONS OBSERVED: 1/34 (2.9%) suffered a pulmonary embolism and 1/34 (2.9%) patients developed transient nerve root pain post-operatively. There were no occurrences of infection and no post-operative CSF leaks.


CONCLUSIONS
MI-TLIF offers patients a safe and effective surgical treatment option to treat degenerative lumbar spine disease.
Brisbane Clinical Neuroscience Centre, The Mater Private Hospital Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. atsah@hotmail.com
Antonio
A
Tsahtsarlis
Martin
M
Wood
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult