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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique
Published on: July 15, 2021
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Endoscopy-assisted posterior lumbar interbody fusion in a single segment
Yun-Tao Wang1, Xiao-Tao Wu1, Hui Chen1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 87 Ding Jia Qiao, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210009, People's Republic of China.
Summary
Endoscopy-assisted posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) offers similar clinical outcomes to traditional open surgery but with reduced bleeding, pain, and hospital stays. This minimally invasive approach minimizes tissue trauma for patients undergoing lumbar arthrodesis.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is standard for lumbar segmental lesions.
- Traditional PLIF carries risks of approach-related morbidities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopy-assisted PLIF for lumbar arthrodesis.
- To compare outcomes between endoscopic and open PLIF procedures.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of 56 patients undergoing PLIF from July 2005 to May 2007.
- 24 patients in the endoscopic group, 32 in the open group.
- Analysis of perioperative data, clinical outcomes, and radiographic results.
Main Results:
- The endoscopic group showed significantly lower intraoperative bleeding, postoperative drainage, blood transfusions, inflammatory markers, and hospitalization duration (p<0.05).
- Operative time was longer in the endoscopic group (p=0.026).
- Endoscopic PLIF demonstrated lower postoperative low back pain scores (p<0.05) with high rates of excellent/good outcomes (87.5%), low complications (8.3%), and 100% fusion.
Conclusions:
- Endoscopy-assisted PLIF achieves comparable clinical efficacy to open PLIF with reduced tissue destruction.
- This technique is safe, offering benefits like less bleeding, trauma, pain, and shorter recovery.
- Endoscopic PLIF is a viable alternative for lumbar arthrodesis.
