Asian Spine J.  2016 Feb;10(1):93-98. 10.4184/asj.2016.10.1.93.

Comparison of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion in Monosegmental Vacuum Phenomenon within an Intervertebral Disc

• An KC
• Kong GM
• Park DH
• Baik JM
• Youn JH
• Lee WS

• KMID: 2169286
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2016.10.1.93

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of posterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and posterolateral lumbar fusion (PLF) in monosegmental vacuum phenomenon within an intervertebral disc. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The vacuum phenomenon within an intervertebral disc is a serious form of degenerative disease that destabilizes the intervertebral body. Outcomes of PLIF and PLF in monosegmental vacuum phenomenon are unclear.
METHODS
Monosegmental instrumented PLIF and PLF was performed on 84 degenerative lumbar disease patients with monosegmental vacuum phenomenon (PLIF, n=38; PLF, n=46). Minimum follow-up was 24 months. Clinical outcomes of leg and back pain were assessed using visual analogue scales for leg pain (LVAS) and back pain (BVAS), and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). The radiographic outcome was the estimated bony union rate.
RESULTS
LVAS, BVAS, and ODI improved in both groups. There was no significant difference in the degree of these improvements between PLIF and PLF patients (p>0.05). Radiological union rate was 91.1% in PLIF group and 89.4% in PLF group at postoperative 24 months (p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences in clinical results and union rates were found between PLIF and PLF patients. Selection of the operation technique will reflect the surgeon's preferences and patient condition.

Keyword

Lumbar spine; Posterior lumbar interbody fusion; Posterolateral lumbar fusion; Vacuum phenomenon; Intervertebral disc

MeSH Terms

Back Pain
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Intervertebral Disc*
Leg
Retrospective Studies
Vacuum*
Weights and Measures