Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Perspective on Current Evidence and Clinical Knowledge. (26th June 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Habib, Ali; Smith, Zachary A.; Lawton, Cort D.; Fessler, Richard G.
• Other Names: Slimack Nicholas Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Minimally invasive surgery. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-06-26
• Subjects: Endoscopic surgery -- Periodicals; 617.05705
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/657342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-1445

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reviews the current published data regarding open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in relation to minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). Introduction . MI-TLIF, a modern method for lumbar interbody arthrodesis, has allowed for a minimally invasive method to treat degenerative spinal pathologies. Currently, there is limited literature that compares TLIF directly to MI-TLIF. Thus, we seek to discuss the current literature on these techniques. Methods . Using a PubMed search, we reviewed recent publications of open and MI-TLIF, dating from 2002 to 2012. We discussed these studies and their findings in this paper, focusing on patient-reported outcomes as well as complications. Results . Data found in 14 articles of the literature was analyzed. Using these reports, we found mean follow-up was 20 months. The mean patient study size was 52. Seven of the articles directly compared outcomes of open TLIF with MI-TLIF, such as mean duration of surgery, length of post-operative stay, blood loss, and complications. Conclusion . Although high-class data comparing these two techniques is lacking, the current evidence supports MI-TLIF with outcomes comparable to that of the traditional, open technique. Further prospective, randomized studies will help to further our understanding of this minimally invasive technique.