Sublaminar decompression and fusion versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in management of lumbar degenerative disorders: a retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Sublaminar decompression is a new technique that includes partial laminectomy and facetectomy providing a wide central, foraminal, and lateral recess decompression and leaving maximal bone posterior and posterolateral to allow adequate fusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sublaminar decompression in comparison to standard transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Methods: Forty patients with degenerative lumbar disorders were managed with spinal fusion at the Zagazig University Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 20 patients managed with sublaminar decompression and instrumented fusion with a mean patient age of 47.7±10.4 yr. The patients in group 2 had a mean age of 45.3±10.3 yr and were managed with TLIF. The patients were assessed clinically and by radiographs, and using a visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain and Owestry Disability Index (ODI) as outcome measures. Statistically significant differences between preoperative and the final follow-up means were assessed using paired t-test test. P
Source: Current Orthopaedic Practice - Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Original Research Source Type: research