Clinical Outcomes and Radiologic Parameters of Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using a Novel Nerve Baffle with a...

Since endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion procedure has established, the insertion of cage requires a large working tube, which may lead to nerve root irritation. A novel nerve baffle was used for endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) and its short-term outcomes were analyzed.

A total of 62 patients (32 cases in tube group, 30 cases in baffle group) with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent endoscopic lumbar fusion surgery from July 2017 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical outcomes were measured using pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Japanese Orthopedic Association Scores (JOA), and complications. Perioperative blood loss was calculated using the Gross formula. Radiologic parameters included lumbar lordosis, surgical segmental lordosis, cage position, and fusion rate.

There were significant differences in VAS, ODI, and JOA scores postoperatively, 6 months after operation, and at the last follow-up (P < 0.05) within the 2 groups. The VAS and ODI score and hidden blood loss were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for the baffle group. There was no significant difference in lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis (P > 0.05). Postoperative disc height was significantly higher than preoperative and follow-up disc heights (P < 0.05) for both groups. There was no statistical difference in fusion rate and cage position parameters or subsidence rate.

Endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion using the novel baffle has more advantages in nerve protection and hidden blood loss reduction than traditional ELIF with working tube. Compared with the working tube procedure, it has similar or even better short-term clinical outcomes.