Efficacy of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion in Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Disease

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease.

Methods: Twenty-two patients with degenerative lumbar disease who underwent OLIF between October 2016 and January 2017 were included. Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dural sac, disk height, cross-sectional height of the intervertebral foramina, and intervertebral foramina CSA were measured. Scores from the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, obtained preoperatively, 1 week and 3 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up, were compared.

Results: Forty-five segments were fused in 22 patients using OLIF. Postoperatively, CSA increased from 0.79 ± 0.32 cm² to 1.40 ± 0.37 cm², disk height increased from 0.67 ± 0.24 cm to 1.15 ± 0.31 cm, cross-sectional height increased from 1.51 ± 0.25 cm to 2.01 ± 0.31 cm, and intervertebral foramina increased from 1.11 ± 0.28 cm² to 1.86 ± 0.38 cm² (P <0.01). The visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores of all patients significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). There were no complications involving injuries to spinal nerves, great vessels, abdominal viscera, or ureters. Only 1 patient experienced injury to the psoas major.

Conclusions: OLIF is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease.