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Study finds navigated TLIF less invasive than conventional TLIF
Compared with the conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, investigators of this study found performing the procedure with navigation was less invasive as it yielded less intraoperative blood loss, a shorter period of bed rest period and length of hospital stay.
Researchers randomized 40 patients to undergo either a navigated transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) or a conventional TLIF. Investigators collected data on intraoperative blood loss, operative time, incision length, complications, period of bed rest and length of hospital stay. At 3 months and 2 years postoperatively, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score was also determined.
Results showed the navigated TLIF group had a significantly shorter incision length compared with patients treated with conventional TLIF. Investigators noted the navigated TLIF group compared with the conventional TLIF group also had significantly less intraoperative blood loss. Groups were not significantly different regarding the total operative time.
According to researchers, a significantly shorter bed rest period and length of stay was seen for patients who underwent navigated TLIF compared with patients who underwent conventional TLIF. Immediately following surgery and after 2 years, the average ODI significantly improved for both groups. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.