Matteo Formica, Pedro Berjano, Luca Cavagnaro, Andrea Zanirato, Andrea Piazzolla, Carlo Formica


October 2014, Volume 23, Issue 6, pp 684 - 692 Original Article Read Full Article 10.1007/s00586-014-3545-y

First Online: 12 September 2014

Purpose of the study

The aim of this study is to describe clinical and radiological outcomes as well as accompanying complications in a series of consecutive lateral transpsoas approaches (XLIF).

Materials and methods

A retrospective study of 39 patients treated for degenerative and post-traumatic lumbar diseases was carried out. Functional status, leg and back pain and radiological outcomes were evaluated pre and post-operatively using the Oswestry disability index score (ODI) visual analog scales (VAS) and X-ray studies.

Results

Mean follow-up was 16 months (range 12–24 months). Mean improvement in back and leg pain on VAS was 6.08 (p 

Conclusions

XLIF proved to be a safe, effective, minimally invasive technique that allows valid arthrodesis to be carried out. Patients achieved positive clinical outcomes and satisfactory fusion rates, with sustained restoration of lordosis, spinal alignment and disc height.


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