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01-12-2024 | Original Article

Lateral-PLIF for spinal arthrodesis: concept, technique, results, complications, and outcomes

Authors: Gabriele Capo, Francesco Calvanese, Alberto Vandenbulcke, Ismail Zaed, Davide Tiziano Di Carlo, Roberta Cao, Cédric Y. Barrey

Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery represents an effective option to treat degenerative conditions in the lumbar spine. To reduce the drawbacks of the classical technique, we developed a variant, so-called Lateral-PLIF, which we then evaluated through a prospective consecutive series of patients.

Methods

All adult patients treated at our institute with single or double level Lateral-PLIF for lumbar degenerative disease from January to December 2017 were prospectively collected. Exclusion criteria were patients < 18 years of age, traumatic patients, active infection, or malignancy, as well as unavailability of clinical and/or radiological follow-up data. The technique consists of insert the cages bilaterally through the transition zone between the central canal and the intervertebral foramen, just above the lateral recess. Pre- and postoperative (2 years) questionnaires and phone interviews (4 years) assessed pain and functional outcomes. Data related to the surgical procedure, postoperative complications, and radiological findings (1 year) were collected.

Results

One hundred four patients were selected for the final analysis. The median age was 58 years and primary symptoms were mechanical back pain (100, 96.1%) and/or radicular pain (73, 70.2%). We found a high fusion rate (95%). A statistically significant improvement in functional outcome was also noted (ODI p < 0.001, Roland-Morris score p < 0.001). Walking distance increased from 812 m ± 543 m to 3443 m ± 712 m (p < 0.001). Complications included dural tear (6.7%), infection/wound dehiscence (4.8%), and instrument failure (1.9%) but no neurological deterioration.

Conclusions

Lateral-PLIF is a safe and effective technique for lumbar interbody fusion and may be considered for further comparative study validation with other techniques before extensive use to treat lumbar degenerative disease.

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Title: Lateral-PLIF for spinal arthrodesis: concept, technique, results, complications, and outcomes
Authors: Gabriele Capo
Francesco Calvanese
Alberto Vandenbulcke
Ismail Zaed
Davide Tiziano Di Carlo
Roberta Cao
Cédric Y. Barrey
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Acta Neurochirurgica / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0001-6268
Electronic ISSN: 0942-0940
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-024-06024-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Lateral-PLIF for spinal arthrodesis: concept, technique, results, complications, and outcomes

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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