Abstract
Purpose Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a widely accepted surgical procedure for degenerative disk disease. While numerous studies have analyzed complication rates and risk factors this study investigates the extent to which complications after TLIF spondylodesis alter the clinical outcome regarding pain and physical function.Methods A prospective clinical two-center study was conducted, including 157 patients undergoing TLIF spondylodesis with 12-month follow-up (FU). Our study classified complications into three subgroups: none (I), minor (IIa), and major complications (IIb). Complications were considered “major” if revision surgery was required or new permanent physical impairment ensued. Clinical outcome was assessed using visual analog scales for back (VAS-B) and leg pain (VAS-L), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).Results Thirty-nine of 157 patients (24.8%) had at least one complication during follow-up. At FU, significant improvement was seen for group I (n = 118) in VAS-B (–50%), VAS-L (–54%), and ODI (–48%) and for group IIa (n = 27) in VAS-B (–40%), VAS-L (–64%), and ODI (–47%). In group IIb (n = 12), VAS-B (–22%, P = 0.089) and ODI (–33%, P = 0.056) improved not significantly, while VAS-L dropped significantly less (–32%, P = 0.013) compared to both other groups.Conclusion Our results suggest that major complications with need of revision surgery after TLIF spondylodesis lead to a significantly worse clinical outcome (VAS-B, VAS-L, and ODI) compared to no or minor complications. It is therefore vitally important to raise the surgeon´s awareness of consequences of major complications, and the topic should be given high priority in clinical work.
Highlights
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in combination with spinal instrumented fusion using a pedicle screw rod system is a surgical technique that was first described in 1998 by Harms et al [1]
This prospective two-center study was conducted to test the hypothesis that complications after TLIF spondylodesis significantly influence the clinical outcome of pain and physical function
A few studies have investigated the impact of complications that occur on the clinical outcome in general, and none has so far focused on TLIF spondylodesis [4, 21, 29]
Summary
Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in combination with spinal instrumented fusion using a pedicle screw rod system is a surgical technique that was first described in 1998 by Harms et al [1]. European Spine Journal (2021) 30:1320–1328 studies have evaluated whether complications have a significant influence on the clinical outcome of back pain, leg pain, or physical function [4, 15,16,17]. This influence has been investigated by Glassman et al but without focusing on any specific surgical technique [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
