Feasibility of Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion(eTLIF) through the Posterior Paraspinal Approach: Technical Note and Preliminary Result

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeun-Sung Kim ◽  
Harshavardhan Dilip Raorane ◽  
Pang Hung Wu ◽  
Dong Hwa Heo ◽  
Yeon Jin Yi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Implementation of endoscopic spine surgery in the management of degenerative lumbar diseases has significantly reduced the need for fusion surgeries. The performance of a MIS-TLIF using an endoscope offers some distinct advantages, such as allowing better visualization the disc space, enhanced endplate preparation and contralateral decompression. The objective of this study was to analyze the preliminary clinical and radiological outcomes of the technique of endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (eTLIF).Materials and Methods: eighteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease underwent eTLIF through a conventional paraspinal approach. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated with visual analog scale(VAS) leg pain score, Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) and the MacNab's criteria; radiological outcome measured with segmental lordosis, global lumbar lordosis, disc height on plain radiograph and percentage of potential fusion mass on CT scan at pre-operative, post-operative and final follow up period. Intra operative and post-operative complications were noted.Results: Mean age was 63. 71 years and Mean follow-up periods was 7.78 months. In the X-ray result, mean segmental lordosis angle(SLA) improved in pre-operative/post-operative/follow-up period 9.87±2.74 degree/ 11.79±3.74 degree/ 10.56±3.69 degree (p > 0.01); mean lumbar lordosis angle(LLA) improved 37.1±7.04 degree/ 39.2±7.13 degree/ 35.7±7.25 degree (p > 0.01). Mean preoperative disc height(DH) improved from 8.97±1.49 mm/ 12.34±1.39 mm/ 11.44±1.98 mm (p < 0.01). In the CT result, Average percentage of fusion mass was 42.61%. VAS was improved significantly, 7.67±1.13 / 3.39±1.38 / 2.5±1.34 and ODI was improved significantly, 74.9±8.03/ 34.56±8.80 / 27.76±8.64 by each preoperative / postoperative / final follow-up. In the clinical result, excellent was 5 cases and good was 13 cases. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, endoscopic TLIF was feasible procedure with an advantage of better visualization and preservation of endplate, minimal blood loss and minimal post-operative pain with early mobilization. In addition, the fusion volume as measured on post-operative CT scans, occupied 40% to 50% of disc space along with the use of 3D printed cages expected to give higher fusion rates. In conclusion, our preliminary results show that endoscopic TLIF is considered to be a viable surgical procedure with further long-term follow-up warranted.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeun-Sung Kim ◽  
Harshavardhan Dilip Raorane ◽  
Pang Hung Wu ◽  
Dong Hwa Heo ◽  
Yeon Jin Yi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The implement of endoscopic spinal surgery into degenerative spinal disease has minimized the requirement of fusion procedures. However, it is still necessary to develop endoscopic spine surgery in certain patients requiring fusion such as instability. We performed a full-endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(eTLIF) through a conventional paraspinal approach. The feasibility of procedure and early outcome were evaluated.Materials and Methods: eighteen consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease underwent eTLIF through a conventional paraspinal approach. Their clinical outcomes were evaluated with visual analog scale(VAS) leg pain score, Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) and the MacNab's criteria; radiological outcome measured with segmental lordosis, global lumbar lordosis, disc height on plain radiograph and percentage of potential fusion mass on CT scan at pre-operative, post-operative and final follow up period. intra operative and post-operative complications noted.Results: Mean age was 63. 71 years and Mean follow-up periods was 7.78 months. According to the level, L2-3 (1 case), L3-4 (4 cases), L4-5 (13 cases) and L5-S1 (2 cases). In the X-ray result, mean segmental lordosis angle(SLA) improved in pre-operative/post-operative/follow-up period 9.87±2.74 degree/ 11.79±3.74 degree/ 10.56±3.69 degree (p > 0.01); mean lumbar lordosis angle(LLA) improved 37.1±7.04 degree/ 39.2±7.13 degree/ 35.7±7.25 degree(p > 0.01). Mean preoperative disc height(DH) improved from 8.97±1.49 mm/ 12.34±1.39 mm/ 11.44±1.98 mm (p < 0.01). In the CT result, Average percentage of fusion mass was 42.61%. VAS was improved significantly, 7.67 / 3.39 / 2.5 and ODI was improved significantly, 74.9 / 34.56 / 27.76 by each preoperative / postoperative / final follow-up. In the clinical result, excellent was 5 cases and good was 13 cases. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, eTLIF was competent enough to perform as open TLIF. and good results were obtained in the form of endplate preservation, disc height restoration, minimal blood loss and post-operative pain with early mobilization. In addition, the fusion volume including the cage and the bone graft material occupies 40% to 50% of disc space is expected to give sufficient fusion by using 3D printed cages which gives the high fusion rate. In conclusion, eTLIF is considered to be a viable surgical procedure.


SICOT-J ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 24
Author(s):  
Mohamed Elmekaty ◽  
Emad ElMehy ◽  
Peter Försth ◽  
Anna MacDowall ◽  
Ahmed El Elemi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is used to reconstruct disc height and reduce degenerative deformity in spinal fusion. Patients with osteoporosis are at high risk of TLIF cage subsidence; possibly due to the relatively small footprint compared to anterior interbody devices. Recently, modular TLIF cage with an integral rail and slot system was developed to reduce cage subsidence and allow early rehabilitation. Objective: To study the safety of a modular TLIF device in patients with degenerative disc disorders (DDD) with regard to surgical complications, non-union, and subsidence. Methods: Patients with DDD treated with a modular TLIF cage (Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), VTI interfuse S) were analysed retrospectively with one-year follow-up. Lumbar sagittal parameters were collected preoperatively, postoperatively and at one year follow-up. Cage subsidence, fusion rate, screw loosening and proportion of endplate coverage were assessed in computed tomography scan. Results: 20 patients (age 66 ± 10 years, 65% female, BMI 28 ± 5 kg/m2) with a total of 37 fusion levels were included. 15 patients had degenerative spondylosis and 5 patients had degenerative scoliosis. The cages covered >60% of the vertebral body diameters. Lumbar lordosis angle and segmental disc angle increased from 45.2 ± 14.5 and 7.3 ± 3.6 to 52.7 ± 9.1 and 10.5 ± 3.5 (p =  0.029 and 0.0002) postoperatively for each parameter respectively without loss of correction at one year follow up. One case of deep postoperative infection occurred (5%). No cage subsidence occurred. No non-union or screw loosening occurred. Conclusions: The modular TLIF cage was safe with regard to subsidence and union-rate. It restored and maintained lumbar lordosis angle, segmental disc angle and disc height, which can be attributed to the large footprint of this modular cage.


Author(s):  
Jinping Liu ◽  
Pingguo Duan ◽  
Praveen V. Mummaneni ◽  
Rong Xie ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Conflicting reports exist about whether transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) induces lordosis or kyphosis, ranging from decreasing lordosis by 3.71° to increasing it by 18.8°. In this study, the authors’ aim was to identify factors that result in kyphosis or lordosis after TLIF. METHODS A single-center, retrospective study of open TLIF without osteotomy for spondylolisthesis with a minimum 2-year follow-up was undertaken. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic parameters and cage specifics were collected. TLIFs were considered to be “lordosing” if postoperative induction of lordosis was > 0° and “kyphosing” if postoperative induction of lordosis was ≤ 0°. RESULTS A total of 137 patients with an average follow-up of 52.5 months (range 24–130 months) were included. The overall postoperative disc angle (DA) and segmental lordosis (SL) increased by 1.96° and 1.88° (p = 0.003 and p = 0.038), respectively, whereas overall lumbar lordosis remained unchanged (p = 0.133). Seventy-nine patients had lordosing TLIFs with a mean SL increase of 5.72° ± 3.97°, and 58 patients had kyphosing TLIFs with a mean decrease of 3.02° ± 2.98°. Multivariate analysis showed that a lower preoperative DA, lower preoperative SL, and anterior cage placement were correlated with the greatest increase in postoperative SL (p = 0.040, p < 0.001, and p = 0.035, respectively). There was no difference in demographics, cage type or height, or spinopelvic parameters between the groups (p > 0.05). Linear regression showed that the preoperative DA and SL correlated with SL after TLIF (R2 = 0.198, p < 0.001; and R2 = 0.2931, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Whether a TLIF induces kyphosis or lordosis depends on the preoperative DA, preoperative SL, and cage position. Less-lordotic segments became more lordotic postoperatively, and highly lordotic segments may lose lordosis after TLIF. Cages placed more anteriorly were associated with more lordosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pang Hung Wu ◽  
Hyeun Sung Kim ◽  
Yeon Jin Lee ◽  
Dae Hwan Kim ◽  
Jun Hyung Lee ◽  
...  

Background: Severe collapsed disc secondary to degenerative spinal conditions leads to significant foraminal stenosis. We hypothesized that uniportal posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with endoscopic disc drilling technique could be safely applied to the collapsed disc space to improve patients’ pain score, restore disc height, and correct the segmental angular parameters. Methods: We included patients who met the indication criteria for lumbar fusion and underwent uniportal full endoscopic posterolateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with pre-operative Computer Tomography mid disc height of less than or equal to 5 mm and MRI of Grade 3 Foraminal Stenosis. Visual analogue scale and computer tomography pre-operative and post-operative sagittal disc height in the anterior, middle and posterior part of the disc; sagittal focal segmental angle; mid coronal disc height and coronal wedge angles were evaluated. Results: 30 levels of Endo-TLIF were included, with a mean follow up of 12 months. The mean improvement in decreasing pain score was 2.5 ± 1.1, 3.2 ± 0.9 and 4.3 ± 1.0 at 1 week post operation, 3 months post operation and at final follow up, respectively, p < 0.05. There was significant increase in mid sagittal computer tomographic anterior, middle and posterior disc height of 6.99 ± 2.30, 6.28 ± 1.44, 5.12 ± 1.79 mm respectively, p < 0.05. CT mid coronal disc height showed an increase of 7.13 ± 1.90 mm, p < 0.05. There was a significant improvement in the CT coronal wedge angle of 2.35 ± 4.73 and the CT segmental focal sagittal angle of 1.98 ± 4.69, p < 0.05. Conclusion: Application of Uniportal Endoscopic Posterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in patients with severe foraminal stenosis secondary to severe collapsed disc space significantly relieved patients’ pain and restored disc height without early subsidence or exiting nerve root dysesthesia in our cohort of patients.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 187-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Marchi ◽  
Leonardo Oliveira ◽  
Etevaldo Coutinho ◽  
Luiz Pimenta

Object Axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) is a minimally invasive presacral surgical technique that damages neither the anulus fibrosus nor the anterior or posterior longitudinal ligaments. The technique was initially designed and used for L5–S1 interbody fusions and recently was extended to 2-level fusions (L4–5 and L5–S1). Until now, only biomechanical and radiological studies have discussed the feasibility of this new indication, and no clinical study has been published. The purpose of this article is to report results and complications associated with 2-level presacral AxiaLIF with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up. Methods In this prospective, nonrandomized, single-center study, 27 patients underwent presacral AxiaLIF surgery at the L4–5 and L5–S1 levels. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale for back and leg symptoms and the Oswestry Disability Index. Radiographic parameters, such as disc height, segmental lordosis, and bone fusion, were analyzed using radiographs and CT scans. Complications and revision surgeries were recorded as needed. The minimum follow-up was 24 months (up to 72 months). Results There were no intraoperative complications. One major complication was observed: a patient developed septicemia that resolved after proper care. Clinical outcomes scores showed overall improvement in pain and physical function. During follow-up, the following complications were observed in the construct: screw breakage (14.8%), proximal/distal transsacral rod detachment (11.1%), radiolucency around the transsacral rod (52%), and cephalic rod migration (24%). Disc height gain was reported early after surgery, but at the 24-month follow-up the disc space was diminished in comparison with the preoperative status. Compared with preoperative values, the 24-month results showed loss of segmental lordosis. Only 22% of all treated levels were considered to have solid fusion at the 24-month radiological evaluation. Conclusions Patients undergoing presacral 2-level AxiaLIF experienced satisfactory short-term clinical outcomes; however, complications were commonly seen on imaging studies obtained 24 months postoperatively. Additional studies are required to better understand the 2-level indications for this technique.


2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy R. Kuklo ◽  
Michael K. Rosner ◽  
David W. Polly

Object Synthetic bioabsorbable implants have recently been introduced in spinal surgery; consequently, the indications, applications, and results are still evolving. The authors used absorbable interbody spacers (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, TN) packed with recombinant bone morphogenetic protein (Infuse; Medtronic Sofamor Danek) for single- and multiple-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures over a period of 18 months. This is a consecutive case series in which postoperative computerized tomography (CT) scanning was used to assess fusion status. Methods There were 22 patients (17 men, five women; 39 fusion levels) whose mean age was 41.6 years (range 23–70 years) and in whom the mean follow-up duration was 12.4 months (range 6–18 months). Bridging bone was noted as early as the 3-month postoperative CT scan when obtained; solid arthrodesis was routinely noted between 6 and 12 months in 38 (97.4%) of 39 fusion levels. In patients who underwent repeated CT scanning, the fusion mass appeared to increase with time, whereas the disc space height remained stable. Although the results are early (mean 12-month follow-up duration), there was only one noted asymptomatic delayed union/nonunion at L5–S1 in a two-level TLIF with associated screw breakage. There were no infections or complications related to the cages. Conclusions The bioabsorbable cages appear to be a viable alternative to metal interbody spacers, and may be ideally suited to spinal interbody applications because of their progressive load-bearing properties.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. E10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ammar H. Hawasli ◽  
Jawad M. Khalifeh ◽  
Ajay Chatrath ◽  
Chester K. Yarbrough ◽  
Wilson Z. Ray

OBJECTIVEMinimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has been adopted as an alternative technique to hasten recovery and minimize postoperative morbidity. Advances in instrumentation technologies and operative techniques have evolved to maximize patient outcomes as well as radiographic results. The development of expandable interbody devices allows a surgeon to perform MIS-TLIF with minimal tissue disruption. However, sagittal segmental and pelvic radiographic outcomes after MIS-TLIF with expandable interbody devices are not well characterized. The object of this study is to evaluate the radiographic sagittal lumbar segmental and pelvic parameter outcomes of MIS-TLIF performed using an expandable interbody device.METHODSA retrospective review of MIS-TLIFs performed between 2014 and 2016 at a high-volume center was performed. Radiographic measurements were performed on lateral radiographs before and after MIS-TLIF with static or expandable interbody devices. Radiographic measurements included disc height, foraminal height, fused disc angle, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and pelvic tilt. Mismatch between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis were calculated for each radiograph.RESULTSA total of 48 MIS-TLIFs were performed, predominantly at the L4–5 level, in 44 patients. MIS-TLIF with an expandable interbody device led to a greater and more sustained increase in disc height when compared with static interbody devices. Foraminal height increased after MIS-TLIF with expandable but not with static interbody devices. MIS-TLIF with expandable interbody devices increased index-level segmental lordosis more than with static interbody devices. The increase in segmental lordosis was sustained in the patients with expandable interbody devices but not in patients with static interbody devices. For patients with a collapsed disc space, MIS-TLIF with an expandable interbody device provided superior and longer-lasting increases in disc height, foraminal height, and index-level segmental lordosis than in comparison with patients with static interbody devices. Using an expandable interbody device improved the Oswestry Disability Index scores more than using a static interbody device, and both disc height and segmental lordosis were correlated with improved clinical outcome. Lumbar MIS-TLIF with expandable or static interbody devices had no effect on overall lumbar lordosis, pelvic parameters, or pelvic incidence–lumbar lordosis mismatch.CONCLUSIONSPerforming MIS-TLIF with an expandable interbody device led to a greater and longer-lasting restoration of disc height, foraminal height, and index-level segmental lordosis than MIS-TLIF with a static interbody device, especially for patients with a collapsed disc space. However, neither technique had any effect on radiographic pelvic parameters.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Long Jia ◽  
Yan Yu ◽  
Kamran Khan ◽  
Fuping Li ◽  
Rui Zhu ◽  
...  

Background. Facet joint violation (FV) was reported as variable iatrogenic damage that can be a crucial risk factor leading to the adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). “Blind” screw placement technique in minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) contributes to the increasing incidence of FV that can be influenced by several potential factors. Many controversies about these factors and clinical outcomes of different types of FV patients exist, yet they have not been analyzed. Methods. 99 cases undergoing single-segment MIS-TLIF from July 2013 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Computed tomography (CT) was applied to determine the incidence of FV, and then the correlation between FV and relevant factors, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), top-screw level, and decompression, was analyzed. A total of 53 cases were followed up after one year, 31 cases in noninjury (A group) and 22 patients in FV injury (B group). Results. The incidence of FV was 39. 39% (39/99) in the patients and 23.23% (46/198) in the screws. Logistic regression analysis showed that screw at L5 in patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2 was vulnerable to FV (P<0.05). Moreover, postoperative average intervertebral disc height (AIDH) of fusion segment, visual analog scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores improved significantly in group A and B when compared with preoperative data (P<0.05). Adjacent superior average intervertebral disc height (ASAIDH) presented decrease, but adjacent superior intervertebral disc Cobb angle (ASIDCA) appeared to increase in the two groups at the final follow-up compared with postoperative 3 days (P<0.05). Low back VAS and ODI scores in group A (31 cases) were lower than those in group B (22 cases) in the final follow-up (P<0.05). Conclusion. MIS-TLIF is an effective treatment for lumbar degenerative disease, but FV occurred at a higher incidence. Facet joints should be protected in MIS-TLIF to avoid FV.


2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 500-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunsuke Fujibayashi ◽  
Masashi Neo ◽  
Mitsuru Takemoto ◽  
Masato Ota ◽  
Takashi Nakamura

Object Foraminal stenosis is a common cause of lumbar radicular symptoms. Recognition of the dynamic pathology, as well as the static anatomical changes, is important to achieving successful surgical outcomes. Excessive facet and anulus removal leads to subsequent disc space narrowing and/or segmental instability, which can cause poor results after decompressive surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the paraspinalapproach transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis. Methods Twenty levels of lumbar foraminal stenosis in 16 patients were treated using an instrumented paraspinal-approach TLIF. There were 12 single-level and 4 two-level cases. Pathologies included foraminal stenosis at 13 levels and lateral disc herniation with disc space narrowing at 7. Results In all patients, preoperative radicular symptoms and mechanical low-back pain were resolved immediately after the operation and leg weakness improved gradually. The recovery rate using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 89.1%. Bony union was achieved within 6 months after the operation in all cases. Postoperative MR imaging showed minimal changes in the paraspinal muscles in the single-level cases. Conclusions The paraspinal-approach TLIF is a minimally invasive, safe, and secure procedure for treating lumbar foraminal lesions. Direct visualization and decompression for the foraminal lesion, distraction of the collapsed disc space, and stabilization of the unstable segments can be achieved simultaneously through the paraspinal approach, which produces successful clinical and radiological results.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
S. Harrison Farber ◽  
Soumya Sagar ◽  
Jakub Godzik ◽  
James J. Zhou ◽  
Corey T. Walker ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) used at the lumbosacral junction provides arthrodesis for several indications. The anterior approach allows restoration of lumbar lordosis, an important goal of surgery. With hyperlordotic ALIF implants, several options may be employed to obtain the desired amount of lordosis. In this study, the authors compared the degree of radiographic lordosis achieved with lordotic and hyperlordotic ALIF implants at the L5–S1 segment. METHODS All patients undergoing L5–S1 ALIF from 2 institutions over a 4-year interval were included. Patients < 18 years of age or those with any posterior decompression or osteotomy were excluded. ALIF implants in the lordotic group had 8° or 12° of inherent lordosis, whereas implants in the hyperlordotic group had 20° or 30° of lordosis. Upright standing radiographs were used to determine all radiographic parameters, including lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, disc space lordosis, and disc space height. Separate analyses were performed for patients who underwent single-segment fixation at L5–S1 and for the overall cohort. RESULTS A total of 204 patients were included (hyperlordotic group, 93 [45.6%]; lordotic group, 111 [54.4%]). Single-segment ALIF at L5–S1 was performed in 74 patients (hyperlordotic group, 27 [36.5%]; lordotic group, 47 [63.5%]). The overall mean ± SD age was 61.9 ± 12.3 years; 58.3% of patients (n = 119) were women. The mean number of total segments fused was 3.2 ± 2.6. Overall, 66.7% (n = 136) of patients had supine surgery and 33.3% (n = 68) had lateral surgery. Supine positioning was significantly more common in the hyperlordotic group than in the lordotic group (83.9% [78/93] vs 52.3% [58/111], p < 0.001). After adjusting for differences in surgical positioning, the change in lumbar lordosis was significantly greater for hyperlordotic versus lordotic implants (3.6° ± 7.5° vs 0.4° ± 7.5°, p = 0.048) in patients with single-level fusion. For patients receiving hyperlordotic versus lordotic implants, changes were also significantly greater for segmental lordosis (12.4° ± 7.5° vs 8.4° ± 4.9°, p = 0.03) and disc space lordosis (15.3° ± 5.4° vs 9.3° ± 5.8°, p < 0.001) after single-level fusion at L5–S1. The change in disc space height was similar for these 2 groups (p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS Hyperlordotic implants provided a greater degree of overall lumbar lordosis restoration as well as L5–S1 segmental and disc space lordosis restoration than lordotic implants. The change in disc space height was similar. Differences in lateral and supine positioning did not affect these parameters.


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