Abstract
Objective: To compare clinical outcomes in laborers who have undergone open transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). Methods: 78 patients were submitted to lumbar arthrodesis by the same two spine surgeons partners from January 2008 to December 2012. Forty-one were submitted to traditional open arthrodesis and 37 to the minimally invasive procedure. Three patients were not included because they had already retired from work. The analyzed variables were length of hospitalization, length of follow-up, type of access (TILF or MIS TLIF), need for blood transfusion, percentage of improvement or worsening after surgery, pre- and postoperative VAS scale, time off work, pre-and postoperative Oswestry disability index, and general aspects of the laborers such as age, education, profession, working time, amount of daily weight carried at work, and use or not of personal protective equipment. Results: Time off work was longer in the TLIF group (average of 9.84 months) compared with the MIS TLIF group (average of 3.20 months). Significant improvement in postoperative VAS and Oswestry was achieved in both groups. Average length of hospitalization was 5.73 days for the TLIF group and 2.76 days for the MIS TLIF group. Conclusions: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion presents similar results when compared to open TLIF, but has the benefits of less postoperative morbidity, shorter hospitalization times, and faster rehabilitation in laborer patients.
Highlights
Spinal diseases correspond to approximately 30 cases of retirement out of every 100 thousand people receiving social welfare benefits, as well as being among the main causes of medical leave.[1]
The inclusion criteria were laborers submitted to lumbar arthrodesis by the transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) technique, whether traditional open or minimally invasive. (We define minimally invasive arthrodesis as a procedure performed using a tubular retractor followed by percutaneous pedicle screw fixation)
Lumbar arthrodesis surgery is associated with extensive dissection of the soft tissues, and several authors have reported the negative consequences of this procedure, with a significant increase in morbidity.[11]
Summary
Spinal diseases correspond to approximately 30 cases of retirement out of every 100 thousand people receiving social welfare benefits, as well as being among the main causes of medical leave.[1] The way to lift objects and the laborer’s mass related to the mass of the object should be observed to prevent damage to the spine. The International Labour Organization (ILO-1988) recommends that in activities that involve lifting a total weight of more than 55 kg, steps must be taken to reduce it. It is observed that back problems among Brazilian laborers who handle heavy loads represent approximately 70% of cases.[1]. According to the specialized literature, incorrect handling and manual movement of loads are the most frequent cause of occupational accidents involving individuals.[1]. According to Silva et al.[2] the majority of accidents are due to poor working conditions, where the laborer’s own body is the work tool
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
