[Standard Techniques of Spinal Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Diseases]

Recently, many neurospinal surgeons are utilizing spinal fusion techniques for lumbar degenerative diseases. This paper aims to summarize the standard techniques of lumbar spinal fusion. Lumbar spinal fusion is categorized into posterolateral fusion(PLF)and interbody fusion(IF)based on the location of bone grafting. PLF needs wide dissection of paraspinal muscles beyond the synovial joints. It is often utilized for long fusion at the thoraco-lumbar junction with open posterior instrumentation. Techniques for IF include posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF)or transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF)via the posterior approach, and anterior lumbar interbody fusion(ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion(LLIF), and oblique lumbar interbody fusion(OLIF^TM)performed via the anterior approach. PLIF/TLIF procedures include laminectomy and/or facetectomy for direct neural decompression, and local bone grafting into the interbody space through the interlaminar space or the vertebral foramen. ALIF/LLIF/OLIF^TM are usually performed via the retroperitoneal approach. ALIF has an advantage of obtaining lordosis with insertion of a large angled cage from the anterior aspect of the intervertebral space. LLIF/OLIF^TM are less invasive methods, in which bone grafting is performed through or beside the psoas muscle. As a larger cage can be plated between the bilateral edge of the intervertebral space, LLIF/OLIF^TM has an advantage in the correction of scoliosis.