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Novel Mini-open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion
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Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion-Early Experience
Lee A Tan1, Joshua Rivera1, Xiao A Tan1
1Department of Neurological Surgery, UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, California.
International Journal of Spine Surgery
|October 30, 2020
Summary
Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) using a biplanar expandable cage effectively treated lumbar spondylolisthesis. The study demonstrated significant improvements in pain and radiographic measures with no major complications, supporting its use.
Area of Science:
- Spine surgery
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) is a common surgical approach for lumbar spondylolisthesis.
- Investigating novel implants like the biplanar expandable cage is crucial for improving MIS TLIF outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a biplanar expandable cage in MIS TLIF for symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis.
- To assess clinical and radiographic outcomes following this surgical technique.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 patients undergoing MIS TLIF with a FlareHawk biplanar expandable cage.
- Analysis of preoperative and postoperative clinical (VAS, EQ5D) and radiographic parameters.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements observed in spinal alignment, disc height, and foraminal height post-surgery.
- Marked reduction in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain (P = .0081).
- No implant-related complications such as subsidence or migration were reported; no reoperations were needed.
Conclusions:
- The biplanar expandable cage is a safe and effective option for MIS TLIF in treating lumbar spondylolisthesis.
- Spine surgeons should consider incorporating this technology into their surgical armamentarium.
