Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) versus instrumented posterolateral fusion (PLF) in degenerative lumbar spine diseases.

Method

The study was approved by the local ethics committee, and a written consent was obtained for each subject. The study included 40 patients divided into 2 groups (A and B), group A included 20 patients and it was treated by transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) while group B included 20 patients and it was treated by posterolateral fusion (PLF). Patients were followed for a period of one year.

Results

Functional outcome was assessed using Modified Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (ODI score). There was a statistically significant difference between preoperative and one year postoperative ODI score in TLIF group and PLF group (P-value <0.001) but the difference between preoperative and one year postoperative ODI score in TLIF group was more than that of PLF group. There was no statistical significant difference between both groups regarding post operative complications and the process of disc fusion.

Conclusion

Although there was no important statistically significant differences between Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody fusion (TLIF) and PosteroLateral Fusion (PLF), however TLIF is superior to PLF as regards clinical and radiological outcome. So, our study suggests TLIF over PLF in treatment degenerative lumbar spine dieases.