Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined With Lateral Plate Fixation for the Treatment of Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: a Preliminary Clinical Study

Abstract Background The oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) is a minimally invasive indirect decompression technique for the treatment of lumar spine disease. The OLIF has usually combined with supplemental posterior pedicle screw fixation for decreasing the perioperative complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and complications of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with lateral plate instrumentation for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods From May 2020 to August 2020, the clinical data of 20 patients who underwent OLIF combined with lateral plate instrumentation were retrospectively analyzed. The operation time, blood loss, and the complications were recorded. Also, the radiological parameters, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were evaluated before and after surgery.Results The average operation time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 75.41±11.53 min, 39.57±9.22 ml, and 7.22±1.85 days, respectively. The VAS and ODI had both significantly improved after surgery (7.23±1.26 VS 2.15±0.87; 60.27±7.91 VS 21.80±6.32, P < 0.001). The postoperative disk height (DH) was 13.02±8.83 mm, which is much higher than before (P < 0.001); The postoperative foraminal height (FH) improved significantly (16.18±3.49 VS 21.54±2.12 mm, P < 0.01), and the cross-sectional area (CSA) had improved from 88.95±14.79 mm2 to 126.53±8.83 mm2 (P < 0.001). The radiological fusion rate was 95% at the last follow-up, while cage subsidence was found in one case. No major complications, such as ureteral injury, vascular injury and vertebral body fracture occurred.Conclusions OLIF combined with lateral plate fixation can avoid the lumbar posterior surgery, minimize the operation time, blood loss and the posterior ligament complex disruption. It can realize one-stage intervertebral fusion and instrumentation through a single small incision.