Low profile posterior lumbar-sacral interbody fusion for lumbosacral degenerative diseases: A technical note

Abstract

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to report our surgical experience in patients with lumbosacral degenerative diseases who underwent low-profile posterior lumbosacral interbody fusion (LP-PLSIF) and analyze surgery-related indicators and postoperative outcomes. Methods: This study included nine patients with lumbosacral degenerative diseases who underwent LP-PLSIF between March 2021 and March 2022. Perioperative clinical presentations, operative variables, and perioperative complications were recorded. Results: Complete and authentic clinical data, including satisfactory surgical efficacy, short hospitalization time, and low estimated blood loss were obtained. The condition and muscle strength along with preoperative neurological deficits improved in all the patients, and no postoperative neurological complications occurred. The mean operation time was 156 min (range, 120–220 min), and the average wound length was 5.9 cm (range, 5–9 cm). There were no postoperative complications, such as nerve root compression, dural tears, or wound infection. All patients showed an improvement of approximately four points on the visual analog scale after surgery. The mean Oswestry Disability Index after 6-month follow-up (19.7%) was significantly lower than that at the preoperative follow-up (62.8%). In addition, the mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score was 12.4 before surgery and improved to 22.7 after surgery. Conclusions: LP-PLSIF may be effective in protecting the soft tissue, paravertebral muscle, and superior facet joint along with maintaining stress balance in the lumbosacral region. In conclusion, LP-PLSIF was efficient in enhancing the fusion rates and eventually provided a minimally invasive, effective, and safe spinal fusion surgery for patients with osteoporosis.