[Comparison of technique between shorter versus percutaneous incision in mini-invasive transforaminal lumbar interbodyfusion].
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the relationship between shorter incision and less radiation time in mini-invasive transforaminal lumbar interbodyfusion (TLIF).


METHODS
Retrospective analyses were performed for the data of 17 cases of single-level lumbar vertebral disc herniation with mini-invasive TLIF. And 10 of them had instability. According to incision length, they were divided into 2 groups of routine mini-invasive TLIF (3 cm incision) and longer incision mini-invasive TLIF (4 cm incision). The relevant data included operative duration, blood loss volume, postoperative ambulation time, intraoperative radiological exposure time and complications. Visual analog scales (for pain) were also administered preoperatively and postoperatively.


RESULTS
The follow-up period was 6-24 months. The mean operative duration was 212 min in routine mini-invasive TLIF group; the mean operative duration 150 min in longer incision mini-invasive TLIF group; mean blood loss volume 100 ml in routine group versus 200 ml in longer group. The radiation time was 27-38 seconds in routine mini-invasive TLIF group versus 8-11 seconds in longer incision mini-invasive TLIF group. No significant inter-group differences existed in ambulation time and VAS score. One case with pedical screw planted into spine canal complained of muscle weakness of low extremity in routine mini-invasive TLIF group. And muscle weakness disappeared upon a replacement of pedical screw.


CONCLUSIONS
Both shorter and percutaneous incisions may achieve mini-invasiveness during TLIF. And extended incision offers equivalent clinical efficacies and minimizes radiation time.
Department of Orthopedics, Beijing University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Xianyi
X
Liu
Department of Orthopedics, Beijing University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China. Email: lichunde@medmail.com.cn.
Chunde
C
Li
Department of Orthopedics, Beijing University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Zhongrong
Z
Yu
Department of Orthopedics, Beijing University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Haolin
H
Sun
D001863:Bone Screws; D005121:Extremities; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010146:Pain; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies