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ALIF may result in significant indirect decompression using pedicle-to-pedicle technique
A new pedicle-to-pedicle technique for anterior lumbar interbody fusion may provide significant indirect foraminal decompression and help restore foraminal height, according to results in a recently published study.
Researchers conducted a prospective analysis of a single-surgeon series of 140 consecutive patients who underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) using a pedicle-to-pedicle technique from 2011 to 2013. The researchers used pre- and postoperative CT scans to obtain a standardized foramen snapshot using the pedicle-to-pedicle technique, and radiographs and Surgimap software were used to determine radiological parameters, including disc height, local disc angle and lumbar lordosis.
A statistically significant improvement in foraminal dimensions (area = 67%, height = 21%, and width = 38%) resulted from ALIF in the 184 levels operated on in the patient cohort, according to the researchers. Additionally, anterior disc height, posterior disc height, local disc angle and lumbar lordosis also improved significantly postoperatively.
Posterior disc height was significantly correlated with improvements in foraminal height restoration, according to the researchers. Foraminal height improved by a mean of 21.4% in the patient cohort, with a greater improvement at L5-S1 (32.6%). – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosures: Rao reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.