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Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

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The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique

Three-dimensional Navigation-guided, Prone, Single-position, Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Technique

Published on: July 15, 2021

Association Between Posterolateral Foraminal Osteophyte and Superior Articular Process Hook With Post-Operative

Timothy J Choi^1,2, Saagar Dhanjani^1,3, Gautham Prabhakar^1,2

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Scripps Clinic Medical Group, La Jolla, CA, USA.

|April 21, 2026

Summary

Posterior lumbar radiculopathy (PLR) occurred in 18.1% of patients after anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF). Superior articular process hooks (SAH) and posterolateral foraminal osteophytes (PFO) independently predict PLR, highlighting the need for preoperative assessment.

Keywords:

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Complication Osteophytes Postoperative Radiculopathy Return to Operating Room

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Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique

Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique

Published on: January 23, 2026

Area of Science:

Spine surgery outcomes
Neurosurgery research
Orthopedic surgery advancements

Background:

Limited research exists on the incidence of postoperative lumbar radiculopathy (PLR) following anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF).
Posterolateral foraminal cephalad endplate osteophytes (PFO) and superior articular process hooks (SAH) may contribute to indirect nerve root compression, but their association with PLR is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

Determine the incidence of PLR after single-level ALIF at L4-L5 or L5-S1.
Evaluate the unplanned return-to-operating-room (UPROR) rate.
Assess the association of PFO and SAH with PLR.

Main Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of 204 patients undergoing single-level ALIF.
Preoperative imaging analyzed for PFO and SAH.
PLR, new weakness, and UPROR data collected.
Statistical analyses included chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Main Results:

18.1% of patients developed PLR.
SAH (OR, 2.82; P=.017) and PFO (OR, 3.25; P=.005) were independent predictors of PLR.
78.4% of PLR cases resolved by 5.9 months; 8.8% of all patients had UPROR.

Conclusions:

PLR is a significant complication after single-level ALIF, affecting 18.1% of patients.
SAH and PFO are independent predictors of PLR.
Preoperative evaluation for SAH and PFO is crucial to mitigate PLR risk and reduce reoperation rates.