Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of two minimally invasive spine surgery techniques: endoscopic assisted intra-foraminal lumbar interbody fusion (iLIF) and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF). These techniques are used to treat lumbar degenerative diseases, which are conditions that cause the lower back to break down.

The researchers reviewed various studies that included patients who had undergone either iLIF or MI-TLIF. They looked at things like how long the surgery took, how much blood was lost, how long patients stayed in the hospital, and how well the patients improved after surgery.

They found that both techniques significantly improved patients’ conditions. There was no significant difference in the rate of complications or the success of the fusion between the two methods. However, the iLIF technique resulted in less blood loss during surgery and shorter hospital stays.

In other words, if you have a lumbar degenerative disease, both iLIF and MI-TLIF are safe and effective surgical options. iLIF might be a better choice if minimizing blood loss and hospital stay is a priority.

FAQs

  1. What are the two minimally invasive spine surgery techniques addressed in the study?
  2. How do the outcomes of iLIF and MI-TLIF surgeries compare according to the study?
  3. Which surgical technique resulted in less blood loss and shorter hospital stays during the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing spinal fusion to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including maintaining proper posture, avoiding heavy lifting, and participating in physical therapy as recommended. It is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor progress and address any concerns. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet can help support the healing process and prevent future spine issues.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for spinal fusion surgery are those who have conditions such as degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, scoliosis, or herniated discs that have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. These conditions can cause chronic back pain, leg pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling that significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Spinal fusion surgery is often recommended when these symptoms are severe and disabling, and when there is evidence of instability or compression of the spinal nerves.

Timeline

Before spinal fusion:

  • Patient experiences chronic lower back pain and/or leg pain due to lumbar degenerative disease
  • Patient undergoes imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to determine the extent of the condition
  • Patient consults with a spine surgeon to discuss treatment options, including non-surgical approaches like physical therapy or medication
  • If conservative treatments are not effective, patient and surgeon decide on spinal fusion surgery

After spinal fusion:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for surgery
  • Surgery is performed using either iLIF or MI-TLIF technique
  • Patient stays in the hospital for a few days post-surgery for monitoring and pain management
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to help with recovery and strengthening of the spine
  • Over the following months, patient gradually returns to normal activities with reduced pain and improved mobility
  • Patient continues to follow up with their surgeon for monitoring and potential adjustments in treatment plan

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal fusion include:

  1. What are the benefits of undergoing a spinal fusion for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with spinal fusion surgery?
  3. How long will the recovery process be after spinal fusion surgery?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. What are the success rates of spinal fusion surgery for patients with similar conditions?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to spinal fusion that I should consider?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications after undergoing spinal fusion surgery?
  8. How long will I need to be off work or limit physical activities after the surgery?
  9. What is the difference between iLIF and MI-TLIF, and which technique do you recommend for my condition?
  10. How many spinal fusion surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Sousa JM, Ribeiro H, Silva JL, Nogueira P, Consciência JG. Journal: Sci Rep. 2022 Feb 8;12(1):2101. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-05988-0. PMID: 35136081