Different Fusion Approaches for Single-level Lumbar Spondylolysis Have Similar Perioperative Outcomes

Retrospective cohort study OBJECTIVE.: The aim of this study was to compare perioperative adverse events for patients with lumbar spondylolysis treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), posterior spinal fusion (PSF), combined anterior and posterior fusion (AP fusion), or anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).

Previous cohort studies have shown similar long-term outcomes for different surgical approaches for this indication, but potential differences in 30-day perioperative adverse events have not been well characterized.

The present study uses data extracted from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Database. Patients undergoing fusion with different approaches for lumbar spondylolysis were identified. Propensity score matching was utilized to account for potential differences in demographic and comorbidity factors. Comparisons among perioperative outcomes were then made among the propensity score-matched study groups.

Of 1077 cases of spondylolysis identified, 556 underwent TLIF, 327 underwent PSF, 108 underwent AP fusion, and 86 underwent ALIF. After propensity score matching, there were no differences in the rates of any of the 30-day individual adverse events studied and no differences in the aggregated groupings of any adverse event, serious adverse event, or minor adverse event. There was a significantly increased operative time in the AP fusion group, but there were no differences in hospital length of stay or readmission rates.

Because perioperative adverse event rates were similar, even with a slightly longer operative time in the AP fusion group, these findings suggest that surgeon preference and long-term outcomes are better used to determine the recommendation of one surgical approach over another for single level fusions for lumbar spondylolysis.

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