Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Clinical and Radiologic Results and Complications in 50 Consecutive Patients
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- Category: Vol. 80, March 2012
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Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Clinical and Radiologic Results and Complications in 50 Consecutive Patients,MOHAMED Y. EL-QAZAZ and TARIQ ELEMAM ELSHAFEY
Abstract
Objectives: To assess fusion rate and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative segmental instability who were operated by transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.
Methods: Fifty consecutive adult patients were analyzed. Patient participation was based on the presence of degenerative segmental instability. They were operated for instrumented spinal stabilization with screws and TLIF between February 2007 and September 2011. Participants were evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at 3,6,9, and 12 month intervals. Pain was scored by a VAS for both lower limb and back pain both preoperatively and postoperatively. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the Prolo economic and func-tional rating scale and the fusion status was assessed using radiological criteria.
Results: A total of 50 patients were included. Patients had preoperative symptoms duration for 2.3±1.3 years. Of the 50 patients, 42 underwent single-level fusion: Seven patients underwent a two-level fusion and one patient underwent a three-level fusion from L3-S 1. The average hospital stay was 4.7±2.8 days. By 12 months follow-up period, 74% of the study group expressed clinical success. Seventy percent of patients were considered to have undergone successful fusion.
Conclusions: TLIF is safe, fusion rate is high and patient outcome compares favorably to literature series. Proper patient selection remains the key to satisfactory spinal fusion outcome.