Mini-open Transforaminal Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Disease

Background: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using percutaneous screws is commonly performed; however, data on mini-open TLIF (MO-TLIF) remain sparse. We aimed to assess the radiological and functional outcomes of single-level MO-TLIF for degenerative disc disease. Materials and Methods: Fifty seven patients underwent MO-TLIF between March 2022 and February 2024; Baseline demographics, clinical, and radiological data were recorded. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were obtained preoperatively, at 1 month and 1 year. Radiographs were obtained immediate post-op, at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year. Results: The study included 57 patients (30 males, mean age: 51.2 ± 14.8 years). Comorbidities were present in 50% of patients (33.3% had hypertension; 21% had diabetes). Most surgeries were performed at L4–L5 ( n = 26) and L5–S1 ( n = 23). The average surgical duration was 80 ± 8 min, with an average blood loss of 88 ± 10 mL. ODI scores significantly improved from 77.6 ± 5.3 preoperatively to 47.8 ± 4.7 at 1 month, and to 12.7 ± 3.2 at 12 months ( P < 0.001). VAS scores improved from 8.1 ± 0.7 preoperatively to 2.9 ± 0.7 at 1 month, and 1.0 ± 0.7 at 12 months ( P < 0.001). The average hospital stay was 2.8 ± 0.7 days. No patient had misplaced pedicle screw requiring implant revision. One patient required revision surgery for residual foraminal stenosis. Conclusion: MO-TLIF is a safe and effective procedure for treating patients with degenerative disc disease and lumbar stenosis requiring lumbar fusion.