Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion or posterior lumbar interbody fusion in treatment of lumbar degenerative disorder disease

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) using microendoscopic discectomy under X-Tube system in treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases.Methods From December 2007 to April 2008,32 patients with low back disorders were treated by microendoscopic discectomy TLIF or PLIF under X-Tube system,including 19 cases in TLIF and 13 in PLIF.Etiologies including lumbar disc herniation combined with segmental instability in 21 cases,and spondylolisthesis in 11 cases.All patients were under regular postoperative follow-up and radiological examination.The clinical functional outcomes were evaluated according to Oswestry disability questionnaire.Results The mean operation time was 120 min (range,90-180),and the average blood loss was 190 ml (range,100-400).There were no complications,such as infection and internal fixation failure.Bony fusion was achieved in all patients.The follow-up was from 14 months to 41 months with 21 months in the average.The average 0swestry scores decreased from preoperative 40.1％±4.1％ to 9.5％±3.7％ three months after the operation.The outcomes of this operation were rated as excellent.Conclusion Microendoscopic discectomy TLIF or PLIF under X-Tube system in treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases has the characteristics of less blood loss,tissue trauma and quick recovery. Key words: Spinal fusion; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Lumbar vertebrae; Endoscopy