Antonino Zagra1, Laura Scaramuzzo2, Fabio Galbusera3, Leone Minoia1, Marino Archetti1, Fabrizio Giudici1. 1. Spinal Division I, I.R.C.C.S. Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy. 2. Spinal Division I, I.R.C.C.S. Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Via R. Galeazzi 4, 20161, Milan, Italy. scaramuzzolaura@gmail.com. 3. I.R.C.C.S. Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability and the clinical efficacy of a lumbar interbody fusion obtained by single oblique cage implanted by a posterior approach. METHOD: Through the realization of three finite element models (FEMs), the biomechanics of POLIF was compared to PLIF and TLIF. Ninety-four patients underwent interbody fusion by POLIF with instrumented posterolateral fusion. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at regular intervals for at least 6 months. RESULTS: The FEMs showed no statistically significant differences in stability in compression and flexion-extension. Mean preoperative VAS score was 7.1, decreased to 2.1 at follow-up. Mean preoperative SF-12 value was 34.5 %, increased to 75.4 % at follow-up. All patients showed a good fusion rate and no hardware failure. DISCUSSION: POLIF associated to instrumented posterolateral fusion is a viable and safe surgical technique, which ensures a biomechanical stability similar to other surgical techniques.
INTRODUCTION: Aim of the study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability and the clinical efficacy of a lumbar interbody fusion obtained by single oblique cage implanted by a posterior approach. METHOD: Through the realization of three finite element models (FEMs), the biomechanics of POLIF was compared to PLIF and TLIF. Ninety-four patients underwent interbody fusion by POLIF with instrumented posterolateral fusion. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at regular intervals for at least 6 months. RESULTS: The FEMs showed no statistically significant differences in stability in compression and flexion-extension. Mean preoperative VAS score was 7.1, decreased to 2.1 at follow-up. Mean preoperative SF-12 value was 34.5 %, increased to 75.4 % at follow-up. All patients showed a good fusion rate and no hardware failure. DISCUSSION: POLIF associated to instrumented posterolateral fusion is a viable and safe surgical technique, which ensures a biomechanical stability similar to other surgical techniques.