Efficacy of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion in Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Disease

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with degenerative lumbar disease who underwent OLIF between October 2016 and January 2017 were included. Radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed pre-operatively and postoperatively. The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the dural sac, disk height, cross-sectional height of the intervertebral foramina, and intervertebral foramina CSA were measured. Scores from the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, obtained preoperatively, 1 week and 3 months postoperatively, and at the final follow-up, were compared. RESULTS: Forty-five segments were fused in 22 patients using OLIF. Postoperatively, CSA increased from 0.79 +/- 0.32 cm(2) to 1.40 +/- 0.37 cm(2), disk height increased from 0.67 +/- 0.24 cm to 1.15 +/- 0.31 cm, cross-sectional height increased from 1.51 +/- 0.25 cm to 2.01 +/- 0.31 cm, and intervertebral foramina increased from 1.11 +/- 0.28 cm(2) to 1.86 +/- 0.38 cm(2) (P < 0.01). The visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores of all patients significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). There were no complications involving injuries to spinal nerves, great vessels, abdominal viscera, or ureters. Only 1 patient experienced injury to the psoas major. CONCLUSIONS: OLIF is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of degenerative lumbar disease.