scholarly journals Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Techniques, Pearls and Pitfalls

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 730-741
Author(s):  
Young-Hoon Kim ◽  
Kee-Yong Ha ◽  
Kee-Won Rhyu ◽  
Hyung-Youl Park ◽  
Chang-Hee Cho ◽  
...  

<p>Lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) is an effective and popular surgical procedure for the management of various spinal pathologies, especially degenerative diseases. Currently, LIF can be performed with posterior, transforaminal, anterior, and lateral approaches by open surgery or minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages. In general, posterior LIF is a well-established procedure with good fusion rates and low complication rates but is limited by the possibility of iatrogenic injury to the neural structures and paraspinal muscles. Transforaminal LIF is frequently performed using an MIS technique and has an advantage of reducing these iatrogenic injuries. Anterior LIF (ALIF) can restore the disk height and sagittal alignment but has inherent approach-related challenges such as visceral and vascular complications. Lateral LIF and oblique LIF are performed using an MIS technique and have shown postoperative outcomes similar to ALIF; however, these approaches carry a risk of injury to psoas, lumbar plexus, and vascular structures. Herein, we provide a detailed description of the surgical procedures of each LIF technique. We shall then consider the pearls and pitfalls, as well as propose surgical indications and contraindications based on the available evidence in the literatures.</p>

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Peng Yao ◽  
Chen-Jie Xiong ◽  
Bi-Wang Huang ◽  
Ya-Wei Yao ◽  
Hui Kang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Microscope assisted MIS-TLIF was also reported favorable clinical outcomes and low complication rates, while limitations can include depth of field, illumination, and ergonomics. The exoscope has been introduced as an alternative to microscopes. In this report, we describe the application of the 3-dimensional (3D), high-definition (HD) exoscope for MIS-TLIF, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages. Methods Six patients were performed 3D-HD exoscope-assisted MIS-TLIF from September 2019 to December 2019. The exoscope was used [Kestrel View II, WEALTH CONCORD MITAKA MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIESCO., LTD. OF SHANGHAI, CHINA] during soft tissue dissection, discectomy, decompression, and cage insertion. Results The exoscope provided an excellent 3D view of the surgical field and allowed us to effectively and safely perform the surgical steps. All 6 patients experienced excellent surgical outcomes. The main advantages of the 3D exoscope include the possibility to provide excellent, magnified, and illuminated 3D-HD images of the surgical field to the entire operating room and serving as an excellent training tool. Conclusion We believe that the 3D exoscope will be a safe and effective tool to perform MIS-TLIF.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. E11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshifumi Kudo ◽  
Ichiro Okano ◽  
Tomoaki Toyone ◽  
Akira Matsuoka ◽  
Hiroshi Maruyama ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of revision interbody fusion surgery between lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with propensity score (PS) adjustments and to investigate the efficacy of indirect decompression with LLIF in previously decompressed segments on the basis of radiological assessment.METHODSA retrospective study of patients who underwent revision surgery for recurrence of neurological symptoms after posterior decompression surgery was performed. Postoperative complications and operative factors were evaluated and compared between LLIF and PLIF/TLIF. Moreover, postoperative improvement in cross-sectional areas (CSAs) in the spinal canal and intervertebral foramen was evaluated in LLIF cases.RESULTSA total of 56 patients (21 and 35 cases of LLIF and PLIF/TLIF, respectively) were included. In the univariate analysis, the LLIF group had significantly more endplate injuries (p = 0.03) and neurological deficits (p = 0.042), whereas the PLIF/TLIF group demonstrated significantly more dural tears (p < 0.001), surgical site infections (SSIs) (p = 0.02), and estimated blood loss (EBL) (p < 0.001). After PS adjustments, the LLIF group still showed significantly more endplate injuries (p = 0.03), and the PLIF/TLIF group demonstrated significantly more dural tears (p < 0.001), EBL (p < 0.001), and operating time (p = 0.04). The PLIF/TLIF group showed a trend toward a higher incidence of SSI (p = 0.10). There was no statistically significant difference regarding improvement in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores between the 2 surgical procedures (p = 0.77). The CSAs in the spinal canal and foramen were both significantly improved (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSLLIF is a safe, effective, and less invasive procedure with acceptable complication rates for revision surgery for previously decompressed segments. Therefore, LLIF can be an alternative to PLIF/TLIF for restenosis after posterior decompression surgery.


2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822199479
Author(s):  
Keigo Kameyama ◽  
Tetsuro Ohba ◽  
Tomoka Endo ◽  
Marina Katsu ◽  
Fujita Koji ◽  
...  

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Background: Percutaneous pedicle screws (PPS) have the advantage of being able to better preserve the paraspinal muscles when compared with a traditional open approach. However, the nature of changes in postoperative paraspinal muscle after damage by lumbar fusion surgery has remained largely unknown. It is clinically important to clarify and compare changes in paraspinal muscles after the various surgeries. Objective: (1) To determine postoperative changes of muscle density and cross-sectional area using computed tomography (CT), and (2) to compare paraspinal muscle changes after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with traditional open approaches and minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusions (LLIF) with PPS. Methods: We included data from 39 consecutive female patients who underwent open PLIF and 23 consecutive patients who underwent single-staged treatment with LLIF followed by posterior PPS fixation at a single level (L4-5). All patients underwent preoperative, 6 months postoperative, and 1-year postoperative CT imaging. Measurements of the cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle densities of paraspinal muscles were obtained using regions of interest defined by manual tracing. Results: We did not find any decrease of CSA in any paraspinal muscles. We did find a decrease of muscle density in the multifidus at 1 year after surgery in patients in the PILF group, but not in those in LLIF/PPS group. Conclusions: One year after surgery, a significant postoperative decrease of muscle density of the multifidi was observed only in patients who underwent open PLIF, but not in those who underwent LLIF/PPS.


2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. E7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro S. Silva ◽  
Paulo Pereira ◽  
Pedro Monteiro ◽  
Pedro A. Silva ◽  
Rui Vaz

Object Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) has the potential advantage of minimizing soft-tissue damage and reducing recovery time compared to open procedures. A steep learning curve has been described for the technique. The aim of the present study was to define the learning curve that describes the progress of a single surgeon performing the MI-TLIF. Methods One hundred fifty consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease who underwent 1- or 2-level MI-TLIF were included in the study. Operative time, corrected operative time per level, and complications were analyzed. The learning curve was assessed using a negative exponential curve-fit regression analysis. Results One hundred ten patients underwent 1-level and 18 patients underwent 2-level MI-TLIF; the remaining 22 underwent a single-level procedure plus an ancillary procedure (decompression at adjacent level, vertebral augmentation through fenestrated pedicle screws, interspinous device at adjacent level). Negative exponential curves appropriately described the relationship between operative time and experience for 1-level surgery and after correction of operative time per level (R2 = 0.65 and 0.57). The median operative time was 140 minutes (interquartile range 120–173 minutes), and a 50% learning milestone was achieved at Case 12; a 90% learning milestone was achieved at Case 39. No patient required transfusion in the perioperative period. The overall complication rate was 12.67% and the most frequent complication was a dural tear (5.32%). Before the 50% and 90% learning milestones, the complication rates were 33% and 20.51%, respectively. Conclusions The MI-TLIF is a reliable and effective option for lumbar arthrodesis. According to the present study, 90% of the learning curve can be achieved at around the 40th case.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L Martini ◽  
Dominic A Nistal ◽  
Brian C Deutsch ◽  
Jeffrey Gilligan ◽  
Robert J Rothrock ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION This national-level study sought to provide a necessary assessment of the risks and outcomes for different lumbar fusion procedures in patients with opioid use disorders (OUDs) to help guide the future development of targeted enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for this unique population. METHODS Data for patients with or without OUDs who underwent an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), or lateral transverse lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) for lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) were collected from the 2013 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample. Multivariable logistic regression was implemented to analyze how OUD impacted in-hospital complications, length of hospitalization, discharge disposition, and total charges by procedure type. RESULTS A total of 139 995 patients with LDD were identified, with 1280 patients (0.91%) also having a concurrent OUD diagnosis. Overall complication rates were higher in OUD patients (48.44% vs 31.01%; P < .0001). OUD patients had higher odds of pulmonary (P = .0006), infectious (P < .0001), and hematological complications (P = .0009). Multivariate regression modeling of outcomes by procedure type showed that following ALIF, OUD increased odds of nonhome discharge (P = .0007), extended hospitalization (P = .0002), and greater total charges (P = .0054). This analysis also revealed that OUD increased odds of complication (P = .0149 and P = .0471), extended hospitalization (P = .0439 and P = .0001), and higher total charges (P < .0001) following PLIF and LLIF procedures, respectively. CONCLUSION Obtaining a better understanding of the risks and outcomes that OUD patients face perioperatively is a necessary step towards developing more effective ERAS protocols for this vulnerable population. This study, which sought to characterize outcome profiles for lumbar fusion procedures in OUD patients on a national level, found this population experienced increased odds of complication, extended hospitalization, nonhome discharge, and higher total charges. Results from this study warrant future prospective studies to better understand these associations and further the development of ERAS programs to improve patient care and reduce cost burden.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandro M. Krieg ◽  
Lukas Bobinski ◽  
Lucia Albers ◽  
Bernhard Meyer

OBJECTIVELateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is frequently used for anterior column stabilization. Many authors have reported that intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the lumbar plexus nerves is mandatory for this approach. However, even with IONM, the reported motor and sensory deficits are still considerably high. Thus, the authors’ approach was to focus on the indication, trajectory, and technique instead of relying on IONM findings per se. The objective of this study therefore was to analyze the outcome of our large cohort of patients who underwent LLIF without IONM.METHODSThe authors report on 157 patients included from 2010 to 2016 who underwent LLIF as an additional stabilizing procedure following dorsal instrumentation. LLIF-related complications as well as clinical outcomes were evaluated.RESULTSThe mean follow-up was 15.9 ± 12.0 months. For 90.0% of patients, cage implantation by LLIF was the first retroperitoneal surgery. There were no cases of surgery-related hematoma, vascular injury, CSF leak, or any other visceral injury. Between 1 and 4 cages were implanted per surgery, most commonly at L2–3 and L3–4. The mean length of surgery was 92.7 ± 35 minutes, and blood loss was 63.8 ± 57 ml. At discharge, 3.8% of patients presented with a new onset of motor weakness, a new sensory deficit, or the deterioration of leg pain due to LLIF surgery. Three months after surgery, 3.5% of the followed patients still reported surgery-related motor weakness, 3.6% leg pain, and 9.6% a persistent sensory deficit due to LLIF surgery.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this series demonstrate that the complication rates for LLIF without IONM are comparable, if not superior, to those in previously reported series using IONM. Hence, the authors conclude that IONM is not mandatory for LLIF procedures if the surgical approach is tailored to the respective level and if the visualization of nerves is performed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xiangyao Sun ◽  
Tongtong Zhang ◽  
Siyuan Sun ◽  
Chao Kong ◽  
...  

The treatment effects of topping-off technique were still controversial. This study compared all available data on postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes of topping-off technique and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were systematically reviewed. Variations included radiographical adjacent segment disease (RASD), clinical adjacent segment disease (CASD), global lumbar lordosis (GLL), visual analogue scale (VAS) of back (VAS-B) and leg (VAS-L), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, duration of surgery, estimated blood loss (EBL), reoperation rates, and complication rates. Sixteen studies, including 1372 cases, were selected for the analysis. Rates of proximal RASD (P=0.0004), distal RASD (P=0.03), postoperative VAS-B (P=0.0001), postoperative VAS-L (P=0.02), EBL (P=0.007), and duration of surgery (P=0.02) were significantly lower in topping-off group than those in PLIF group. Postoperative ODI after 3 years (P=0.04) in the topping-off group was significantly less than that in the PLIF group. There was no significant difference in the rates of CASD (P=0.06), postoperative GLL (P=0.14), postoperative ODI within 3 years (P=0.24), and postoperative JOA (P=0.70) and in reoperation rates (P=0.32) and complication rates (P=0.27) between topping-off group and PLIF. The results confirmed that topping-off technique could effectively prevent ASDs after lumbar internal fixation. However, this effect is effective in preventing RASD. Topping-off technique is more effective in improving the subjective feelings of patients rather than objective motor functions compared with PLIF. With the development of surgical techniques, both topping-off technique and PLIF are safe.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 847-874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nickalus R. Khan ◽  
Aaron J. Clark ◽  
Siang Liao Lee ◽  
Garrett T. Venable ◽  
Nicholas B. Rossi ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)—or MI-TLIF—has been increasing in prevalence compared with open TLIF (O-TLIF) procedures. The use of MI-TLIF is an evolving technique with conflicting reports in the literature about outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of MI-TLIF in comparison with O-TLIF for early and late outcomes by using the Visual Analog Scale for back pain (VAS-back) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary end points include blood loss, operative time, radiation exposure, length of stay, fusion rates, and complications between the 2 procedures. METHODS: During August 2014, a systematic literature search was performed identifying 987 articles. Of these, 30 met inclusion criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed by using both pooled and subset analyses based on study type. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that MI-TLIF reduced blood loss (P &lt; .001), length of stay (P &lt; .001), and complications (P = .001) but increased radiation exposure (P &lt; .001). No differences were found in fusion rate (P = .61) and operative time (P = .34). A decrease in late VAS-back scores was demonstrated for MI TLIF (P &lt; .001), but no differences were found in early VAS-back, early ODI, and late ODI. CONCLUSION: MI-TLIF is associated with reduced blood loss, decreased length of stay, decreased complication rates, and increased radiation exposure. The rates of fusion and operative time are similar between MI-TLIF and O-TLIF. Differences in long-term outcomes in MI-TLIF vs O-TLIF are inconclusive and require more research, particularly in the form of large, multi-institutional prospective randomized controlled trials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Feeley ◽  
I Feeley ◽  
J Butler

Abstract Aim Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion is a procedure growing in popularity for conditions including degenerative disc disease, and discogenic back pain. Obesity is a significant risk factor in the development of back pain, with patients with raised BMIs at increased of complications using the posterior approach. This review aims to evaluate the risk profile of this patient cohort using the anterior approach for lumbar interbody fusion. Method A systematic review of the search databases Pubmed; google scholar; and OVID Medline was carried out between September 2020-November 2020. Studies evaluating the risks associated with obesity during Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) were identified and included for review according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies eligible for inclusion were agreed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was used to compare intra- and postoperative complications in patients with increased BMI during ALIF. Results Search terms yielded 435 articles for evaluation. 13 studies were included in this review after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of studies demonstrated a significantly increased risk profile for overall complications in the obese patient cohort (CI = 0.04-0.16, p = 0.002) with significant heterogeneity (I2=86%). Patients with increased BMI were not significantly more likely to develop Vascular complications (CI= -.03-0.02, p = 0.62). Simple pooling demonstrated significant association between increased BMI and blood loss. Conclusions Obesity was demonstrated to have an impact on overall complication rates in Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion procedures, with postoperative complications including wound infections and lower fusion rates more common in patients in increased BMIs.


2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 388-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arien J. Smith ◽  
Marc Arginteanu ◽  
Frank Moore ◽  
Alfred Steinberger ◽  
Martin Camins

Object Recent advances in the field of spinal implants have led to the development of the bioabsorbable interbody cage. Although much has been written about their advantageous characteristics, little has been reported regarding complications associated with these cages. The authors conducted this prospective cohort study to compare fusion and complication rates in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with carbon fiber cages versus biodegradable cages made from 70/30 poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide) (PLDLA). Methods Between January 2005 and May 2006, 81 patients with various degenerative and/or structural pathologies affecting the lumbar spine underwent single- or multilevel TLIF with posterior segmental pedicle screw fixation using implants made of carbon fiber (37 patients) or 70/30 PLDLA (44 patients). Clinical and radiological follow-up was performed at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and is ongoing. The incidence of nonunion, screw breakage, and cage migration were compared between the 2 groups. Results There was no significant difference in demographic data between the 2 groups, the mean number of lumbar levels operated, or distribution of the levels operated. There was a significantly increased incidence of nonunion (8 patients, 18.2%) and cage migrations (8 patients, 18.2%) in patients receiving the PLDLA implants compared with carbon fiber implants (no patients) (p = 0.006 and 0.007, respectively). There was no significant difference in demographic data between patients with cage migration and the rest of the patient population. Five of the 8 cases of migration occurred at the L5–S1 level while the remaining 3 occurred at the L4–5 level. The mean time to implant failure was 9.3 months. Conclusions This study showed an increased incidence of nonunion (18.2%) and postsurgical cage migration (18.2%) in patients undergoing TLIF with biodegradable cages versus carbon fiber implants (0%) (p = 0.006 and 0.007, respectively).


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