title: Comparison of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion in Monosegmental Vacuum Phenomenon within an Intervertebral Disc.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of posterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) in monosegmental vacuum phenomenon within an intervertebral disc.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The vacuum phenomenon within an intervertebral disc is a serious form of degenerative disease that destabilizes the intervertebral body. Outcomes of PLIF and PLF in monosegmental vacuum phenomenon are unclear.
  
  
  METHODS
  Monosegmental instrumented PLIF and PLF was performed on 84 degenerative lumbar disease patients with monosegmental vacuum phenomenon (PLIF, n=38; PLF, n=46). Minimum follow-up was 24 months. Clinical outcomes of leg and back pain were assessed using visual analogue scales for leg pain (LVAS) and back pain (BVAS), and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). The radiographic outcome was the estimated bony union rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LVAS, BVAS, and ODI improved in both groups. There was no significant difference in the degree of these improvements between PLIF and PLF patients (p>0.05). Radiological union rate was 91.1% in PLIF group and 89.4% in PLF group at postoperative 24 months (p>0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No significant differences in clinical results and union rates were found between PLIF and PLF patients. Selection of the operation technique will reflect the surgeon's preferences and patient condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Chan
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Gyu-Min
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Dae-Hyun
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong-Min
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Baik
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Ji-Hong
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Youn
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Woon-Seong
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Intervertebral disc; Lumbar spine; Posterior lumbar interbody fusion; Posterolateral lumbar fusion; Vacuum phenomenon