Minimally-Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Outcomes
Author Information
Author(s): Fischer Gregor, Bättig Linda, Schöfl Thomas, Schonfeld Ethan, Veeravagu Anand, Martens Benjamin, Stienen Martin N.
Primary Institution: Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen & Medical School of St. Gallen
Hypothesis
Does anterior column realignment using expandable interbody spacers improve outcomes compared to standard LLIF?
Conclusion
ACR using an expandable LLIF interbody implant was safe, promoted solid fusion, and restored significantly more segmental lordosis compared to LLIF without ALL release.
Supporting Evidence
- ACR resulted in twice as much segmental correction compared to LLIF without ALL release.
- No cases of pseudarthrosis were identified at the LLIF level.
- Patients in the ACR group had a higher anesthesiologic risk and more severe spinal deformities.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special technique to help people's backs feel better, and it worked really well for many of them.
Methodology
Retrospective, single-center observational cohort study comparing patients treated by LLIF with and without ACR.
Potential Biases
Potential for unintentional ALL release in the control group.
Limitations
The study is retrospective with a mean follow-up of only about 12 months and missing data for some variables.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 61.4 years, 57.1% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 15.7–22.7°
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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