Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UNILF): outcomes at 7 years

PurposeTo assess clinical, functional and radiographical results of one-level minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UNILIF) in the treatment of stable lumbar degenerative diseases with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up.Material and methodFrom January 2012 to December 2016, clinical and radiological data of patients with degenerative lumbar disease managed by UNILIF were prospectively collected. Patients with a follow-up that ended before 5 years were excluded. SF-12, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) were collected preoperatively, at 2 years and at the last follow-up. A full-spine standing radiograph was performed at each follow-up appointment.ResultsMean operative time was 74.7 (+/- 19) minutes, mean blood loss was 131.1 (+/- 207) ml and mean follow-up was 7.5 (+/- 1.7) years. All functional scores and VAS were significantly improved between the preoperative and the 2 years postoperative. Between the 2 years postoperative and the last follow-up ODI and VAS continued to significantly improved. Fusion rate was 98.6% on radiographic analysis at follow-up.ConclusionUNILIF method is a safe and effective surgical strategy. It provides a durable improvement in functional score over 7 years of follow-up with a stable radiological correction over time.

Automated summary

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical, functional, and radiographical outcomes of one-level minimally invasive transforaminal interbody fusion with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UNILIF) for stable lumbar degenerative diseases. The results showed that UNILIF method is a safe and effective surgical strategy, providing durable improvement in functional scores and stable radiological correction over a follow-up period of more than 7 years.