Extensive decompression through transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion pathway combined with pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of lumbar stenosis in elderly patients / 中国综合临床

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the efficacy of extensive decompression through transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) pathway combined with pedicle screw fixation on treating degenerative lumbar stenosis in the dderly.Methods Seventy-five elderly patients (28 males and 47 females) with degenerative lumbar stenosis were treated with extensive decompression through transforaminal pathway at our hospital from Jan.2007 to Aug.2010.The operation is through the TLIF pathway to resect part of the articular facet,and expose unilaterally the intervertebral vertebral foramen.Decompression of the vertebral canal was conducted by removing the disc.In the end,we performed posterolateral fixation with pedicle screw and placement of bone graft in posterolateral part of the lumbar or did the interbody fusion.JOA scores were obtained before and 1 day after operation and in 3 month follow-up consultation.The intervertebral height and bone fusion were observed by X ray.Results The follow-up period of the 75 patients was 6-36 months with an average of 12 months.There was significant difference (t =20.79,P ＜ 0.05 ;t =25.89,P ＜ 20.05) in JOA score between 3 month follow-up (21.08 ± 3.60) and preoperation (10.91 ± 2.23),between 1 d follow-up (22.72 ± 3.26) and preoperation (10.91 ±2.23),respectively.The rate of improvement was (88.6 ± 10.8)％,with 98％ of excellent or good in 3-month follow-up.Lumbar plane films showed neither instability or internal fixation loosening,breakage or distortion in follow-up consultation.There were 2 cases in whom Cage dislocation occurred without any neurological symptoms.Conclusion Extensive decompression through TLIF pathway combined with pedicle screw fixation is an efficacious method of treating degenerative lumbar stenosis in elderly patients.This method can retain the structure of lumbar posterior complex,reduce the risk of low back pain.It is a safe choice for treatment of degenerative lumbar stenosis in the elderly.