Purpose
Spinal fusion is useful method of treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases, and is divided into anterior and posterior surgery. Each approach has advangages and disadvantages. Recently, minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) supplemented disadvantages of anterior and posterior surgery is interested. We introduce LLIF and present about application and indication of LLIF.
Materials and Methods
A 76-year-old female was diagnosed by degenerative disc disease on L2-3. A 66-year-old male was diagnosed by central spinal stenosis on L2-3-4-5. A 86-year-old female was diagnosed by foraminal stenosis on L3-4-5 and degenerative scoliosis. A 73-year-old male was diagnosed by spinal stenosis on L3-4-5 and spondylolisthesis. A 70-year-old male was diagnosed nonunion on L4-5. On past history, the patient was operated by fusion because of L2 burst fracture. A 75-year-old female was diagnosed by infective spondylodiscitis on L3-4.
Results
Degenerative disc disease, severe central and foraminal spinal stenosis, degenerative scoliosis, spondylolisthesis and infective spondylodiscitis were application and indication of LLIF.
Conclusions
LLIF merges the advantages and covers the disadvantages of anterior and posterior surgery. However, approach-related lumbar plexus injury and L5-S1 approach were remained obstacles.