Clinical outcomes of Short Rod Technique in posterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery: A Minimum of 2-year follow-up

Abstract

Abstract Purpose We first introdue a novel entry point of pedicle screws (Short Rod Technique, SRT), which could avoid violation of superior facet and has been verified as a safe screw placement method. The aim of this study is to detcte the clinical outcomes of SRT in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. Methods 89 patients who received SRT and 109 patients who received PLIF surgery with regular entry point of pedicle screws were recruited with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Patientes were further divided into three groups according to the number of fusion segments, and clinical outcomes including surgical variables, radiological parameters and HRQOL were analyzed and compared. Results The length of wound and the length of rods was sigificantly shorter in SRT group in both patients fused with single segment, two segments and three segments, respectively. Less intraoperative blood loss was observed in SRT group in patients fused with single segment and two segments, rather than three segments. Less degenerations of upper adjacent segment were observed in SRT group in both patients fused with single segment and three segments. In addition, less postoperative wound pain was observed in PLIF surgery with SRT group in patients fused with two and three segments. Conclusion SRT was an effective technique and good clinical outcomes were observed, especially for the reduction of the occurrence of upper ASD in PLIF surgery with single segment and three segments. We hope this article could provide a novel method for spinal surgeons in PLIF surgery.