Functional and Radiological Outcomes in Minimally Invasive Surgery-Assisted Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Lumbar Degenerative Disease: A Prospective Observational Study
Prospective observational study reveals marked functional and anatomical improvements in lumbar degenerative disease, indicating favorable short-term outcomes for MIS-TLIF.
Key Points
To evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive surgery-assisted transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in patients with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine disease.
Prospective observational study in India of N=30 consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar disease and unilateral radiculopathy failing ≥6 months of conservative treatment.
Patients underwent single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF with tubular retractors, local autologous bone graft, PEEK/titanium cage, and pedicle screw fixation under fluoroscopic guidance.
Clinical (VAS, ODI) and radiological metrics (disc height, foraminal height, fusion status) were monitored across a 6-month postoperative follow-up.
Pain and disability scores significantly improved, with mean VAS decreasing from 7.67 ± 1.09 to 1.03 ± 0.72 and mean ODI decreasing from 63.8 ± 7.51 to 11.5 ± 2.79 at 6 months (both p < 0.001).
Intervertebral disc height increased from 6.88 ± 1.36 mm to 12.1 ± 1.28 mm, and foraminal height increased from 13.7 ± 1.88 mm to 18.6 ± 1.42 mm at 6 months.
Solid radiographic fusion was confirmed in 30% (9/30) of patients at 6 months, with an average operative time of 178 ± 38.9 minutes and blood loss of 139 ± 18.2 mL.