Roberto Bassani1, Carlotta Morselli2, Agostino Cirullo1, Amos Maria Querenghi3, Laura Mangiavini1,4. 1. IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, II Spine Unit, Milan, Italy. 2. IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, II Spine Unit, Milan, Italy. cmorselli822@gmail.com. 3. Humanitas San Pio X, Spine Unit 3, Milan, Italy. 4. Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Posterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF, TLIF) are among the most popular surgical options for lumbar interbody fusion. If non-union occurs with consequent pain and reduced quality of life, revision surgery should correct any previous technical errors, avoiding further complications. The aim of this study was to analyze technical advantages, radiological and clinical outcomes of anterior approaches (ALIF) in case of failed PLIF or TLIF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with persistent low back pain after failed PLIF/TLIF where salvage ALIF through an anterior retroperitoneal miniopen video-assisted technique was performed. Surgical, clinical and radiological data were analysed. Uni and multivariate statistical analysis were applied. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (average age: 47.1 years) were included. Mean follow-up was 34.4 months. In 30 patients (83.3%) a posterior surgical step was necessary. Non-union (86.1%), cage migration (5.5%), infection (8.3%) were the causes of revision surgery. In 22 patients (61.1%) the involved level was L5-S1, in 12 patients (33.4%) L4-L5, in 1 patient (2.7%) L3-L4. One patient (2.7%) had two levels (L4-L5 and L5-S1) involved. No major intraoperative complications were recorded. Significant correlation between clinical and radiological outcomes (L4-S1 and L5-S1 lordosis improvement) were observed (postoperative VAS and L5-S1, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Salvage ALIF is a safe option that can significantly ameliorate residual pain achieving primary interbody stability with an ideal segmental lordosis according to pelvic parameters. The advantages of a naive anterior approach fulfils the main objectives of a revision surgery in order to significantly increase the chances of definitive fusion.
OBJECTIVE: Posterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF, TLIF) are among the most popular surgical options for lumbar interbody fusion. If non-union occurs with consequent pain and reduced quality of life, revision surgery should correct any previous technical errors, avoiding further complications. The aim of this study was to analyze technical advantages, radiological and clinical outcomes of anterior approaches (ALIF) in case of failed PLIF or TLIF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with persistent low back pain after failed PLIF/TLIF where salvage ALIF through an anterior retroperitoneal miniopen video-assisted technique was performed. Surgical, clinical and radiological data were analysed. Uni and multivariate statistical analysis were applied. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (average age: 47.1 years) were included. Mean follow-up was 34.4 months. In 30 patients (83.3%) a posterior surgical step was necessary. Non-union (86.1%), cage migration (5.5%), infection (8.3%) were the causes of revision surgery. In 22 patients (61.1%) the involved level was L5-S1, in 12 patients (33.4%) L4-L5, in 1 patient (2.7%) L3-L4. One patient (2.7%) had two levels (L4-L5 and L5-S1) involved. No major intraoperative complications were recorded. Significant correlation between clinical and radiological outcomes (L4-S1 and L5-S1 lordosis improvement) were observed (postoperative VAS and L5-S1, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Salvage ALIF is a safe option that can significantly ameliorate residual pain achieving primary interbody stability with an ideal segmental lordosis according to pelvic parameters. The advantages of a naive anterior approach fulfils the main objectives of a revision surgery in order to significantly increase the chances of definitive fusion.
Authors: Nathan E How; John T Street; Marcel F Dvorak; Charles G Fisher; Brian K Kwon; Scott Paquette; Justin S Smith; Christopher I Shaffrey; Tamir Ailon Journal: Neurosurg Rev Date: 2018-02-06 Impact factor: 3.042