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Minimally invasive TLIF approach beneficial in obese patients
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Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion demonstrated significant decreases in operative blood loss and complications in obese patients compared with an open approach, according to a study.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study of 74 obese patients who underwent either open or minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Patients’ mean body mass index was 34.4 kg/m2, and mean follow-up time was 30 months, according to the researchers.
Fifty-three patients underwent the minimally invasive TLIF procedure, and 21 patients underwent the open procedure. Oswestry Disability Index and VAS scores both improved for each group, but were not statistically different between the two groups (P = .68 and P = .51, respectively). However, there were significantly more complications and higher estimated blood loss among patients in the open group compared with those in the minimally invasive group (P < .05), according to the researchers.
Disclosure: Park is a consultant for Globus Medical and Medtronic and has received royalties from Globus Medical. La Marca is a consultant for Globus Medical and Biomet and has received royalties from Globus Medical.
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