Unilateral Transforaminal Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Indications, Technique, and 2-Year Results

Abstract

A prospective analysis of consecutive cases of lumbar fusion using the unilateral transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique with pedicle screw fixation. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcome of TLIF and describe the technique and indications in the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Forty patients treated with TLIF for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine were followed up for a minimum of 2.5 years (mean: 36 months; range: 30-42 months). Twenty-three patients had degenerative disc disease alone, 13 had associated isthmic or degenerative spondylolisthesis, and 4 had recurrent disc herniations at the L4-L5 level. Thirty-six (90%) had solid fusions radiographically at latest follow-up. Seventy-nine percent had excellent or good clinical outcomes. Our patients demonstrated high fusion rates and patient satisfaction.

Do autologous growth factors enhance transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion?

“…Circumferential or 360°fusion (TLIF plus posterolateral fusion) gives the best chance for spinal arthrodesis success. Our fusion rates in both the AGF group and the historical cohort group compare favorably with a recent TLIF study [28]. In that study, 90% had solid fusions radiographically and 79% had excellent or good clinical outcomes.…”

Clinical and radiological outcome of anterior–posterior fusion versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for symptomatic disc degeneration: a retrospective comparative study of 133 patients

“…The pseudarthrosis rate was higher in both of our study groups than usually reported for APF and TLIF techniques [16,24,28,32]. In fact, fusion assessment was based on a very strict and detailed scale resulting in a very critical look at fusion results.…”

Unilateral versus bilateral instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in two-level degenerative lumbar disorders: a prospective randomised study

“…Advantages of restoring disk height, immobilising the unstable segment and restoring load bearing to anterior structures can be achieved by lumbar interbody fusion [2]. Nowadays, TLIF is a popular lumbar interbody fusion technique to perform anterior interbody fusion with less neural retraction through a single unilateral approach [3][4][5]. Pedicle screws and intervertebral cage devices, which can provide initial stability, have been developed to correct deformity, improve the rate of fusion and speed the recovery of patients after surgery.…”