Biportal Endoscopic Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Review of Current Evidence and the Literature

Abstract

Several studies report that biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) demonstrate various advantages such as favorable clinical outcomes, less postoperative back pain, and shorter hospital stays compared to open PLIF/MIS TLIF. Even though biportal ELIF has demonstrated several advantages, limitations are also associated with the technique, including longer operation time, limited indications, and a lack of multicenter randomized controlled trials that directly compare other fusion techniques with biportal ELIF. The objective of this review was to evaluate previously published articles and summarize current evidence on biportal ELIF regarding its indications, surgical technique, complications and comparative results with open PLIF/MIS TLIF.

Complications of Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

“…Epidural fibrosis is an important consideration during revision surgeries. Many authors have described the minimally invasive extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (ELIF) technique to address this concern [54][55][56][57]. ELIF involves creating a working corridor angled at approximately 45° relative to the midline.…”