Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a review of techniques and outcomes

Transforaminal Interbody Fusion TLIF Surgery

STUDY DESIGN: Review of published literature. OBJECTIVE: To review the available medical literature reporting results after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) and evaluate functional and radiographic outcomes with those following open TLIF and open posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) procedures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Minimally invasive spine techniques aim to reduce approach-related surgical morbidity without compromising operative and clinical outcomes. MIS TLIF is increasingly being used for the management of various lumbar degenerative diseases. Despite the limited number of well-designed clinical studies, the available published data suggest potential advantages over its open posterior-approach lumbar interbody fusion counterparts. Such benefits include less intraoperative blood loss, less need for blood transfusions, shorter hospital course, and less postoperative pain. METHODS: Literature examining posterior-approach interbody fusion techniques (PLIF, TLIF, and MIS TLIF) was collected using the National Center for Biotechnology Information database and PubMed/MEDLINE, and summarized for discussion. RESULTS: Literature reports of MIS TLIF generally show comparable or improved clinical outcomes when compared with those following open posterior interbody fusion techniques. Additionally, significantly less blood loss, hospital stay, and complications were generally reported, despite slightly longer duration of surgery, especially during early cases in a surgeon’s experience. CONCLUSION: More studies designed to provide class I or II data will be needed in the future to further solidify the favorable results observed so far with the MIS TLIF procedure

Keywords : blood,Blood Transfusion,complications,diagnostic imaging,Humans,Lumbar Vertebrae,methods,Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures,Morbidity,Neurosurgery,Pain,Radiography,Spinal Diseases,Spinal Fusion,Spine,surgery,Treatment Outcome,, Invasive,Transforaminal,Lumbar,Interbody,Fusion, prescription topical cream for nerve pain

Date of Publication : 2010 Dec 15

Authors : Karikari IO;Isaacs RE;

Organisation : Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. [email protected]

Journal of Publication : Spine (Phila Pa 1976 )

Pubmed Link : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21160393

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2021-06-03

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2021-06-01

Mo Akmal & his team at The Spine unit were absolutely fantastic! My mother walked into the hospital in terrible pain & walked out a few hours later pain free ! She is 87 and now feels like 67 ! The attention she got was excellent I would highly recommend!

Miles McWilliams

2021-05-10

I have known Dr Akmal and his team for the past 8 years, I have seen him and his team ON and OFF for issues regarding my neck, C4/5, C5/6 , C6/7. I first had 3 lots of injections into this area back at the start of things. This helped me for 3 years. Dr Akmal did not want to operate at the time due to my age still been under 40 then. After 3 years I had to see Dr Akmal and his team again. We tried the injection route again but after a few attempts we then had to make the call to cut. I had C5/6 and C6/7 +/- C4/5 anterior cervical decompression and fusion / disc replacement carried out. This was a success and I was out of the hospital within 3 days and recovery took place for the next few months. This year I was operated on the back of my neck for a posterior cervical foraminotomy on the left side at the C5/6 and C6/7 levels. We tried the injections last year but this did not help. Due to Covid to this should have been carried out last year. Dr Akmal explained the risks include nerve injury, dural tear and pain post-operatively but the procedure is fairly routine and the risks are relatively low. Surgery has now taken place back in February. I was released the same day later that evening and been back for my check ups and things are looking up. I am currently training for a half triathlon that I will take part in second week of July. I am doing anything from 120 km to 170 km a week on the bike and running now upto 10 km a day on my running days. I have not been able to swim yet due to pools been closed but I have no issues with movement in me neck. I am very happy I chose Dr Akmal from the start. I did seen two others before him, they were happy to just cut and not look at what was best for me. I also strongly believe the newer technology Dr Akmal uses has really helped me any my life style I lead with sports. I know I would not have had the same results if I did not take the route with Dr Akmal. I really can’t say much more but I am very happy I met Dr Akmal when I did, he has been great and so has his team. Patient Miles McWilliams 😊

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2021-05-05

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2021-04-23

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Ashraf Elawad

2021-04-21

I had difficult times with my disc prolapse in my lower back. The pain was getting worse despite pain killers and physiotherapy. I was a bit nervous considering surgical treatment as a definte solution. The consultation with Mr. Mo Akmal was informative and reassuring and helped me to make a decision going ahead for the surgical option. On the day of the procedure, the staff was welcoming and looked experienced and knew exaclty what they were doing. Mr. Mo Akmal spoke to me before and after the procedure. In less than 2hrs, after the porcedure, I was able to stand, walk, and sit down with no pain. I strongly recommend Mr. Mo Akmal for anybody who has a similar condition.

Joe massimo

2021-04-16

I had minimally invasive spinal surgery for a Bulging disc at L5/S1 impinging on my S1 nerve root. Before surgery I couldn’t walk without a limp and would be in too much pain to walk further than a mile. Being only 21 years old and a keen athlete and student Osteopath, with an interest in sports rehabilitation, I wanted to get back to complete health and fitness from this injury. There is definitely a fear with spinal surgery that a lot of people have in the sports and therapy world however I knew I needed the operation to gain my leg function back and with Mr Mo Akmal and the team at the London spine Unit, I felt in great hands and they were very professional from start to finish with the process. They made me feel very comfortable and safe. I’d highly recommend Mr Mo Akmal and the Team at the London Spine Unit, they are very friendly and take great care of you. I’m feeling much better and am glad I chose to get the surgery done here.

Noam

2021-04-14

Very good treatment from Mr. Akmal and the staff with amazing results. After the first spinal injection I was sure the treatment won't work but as the team encouraged me to keep going to the second injection it then total disappeared. They were also very helpful with all the documents needed for the insurance cover. Much appreciated! I was struggling

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2021-04-07

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2021-04-05

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