Clinical Analysis and Imaging Study of Lateral Lumbar Intervertebral Fusion in the Treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis

Abstract

Objective As the population ages and technology advances, lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion (LLIF) is gaining popularity for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS). This study investigated the feasibility, minimally invasive concept, and benefits of LLIF for the treatment of DLS by observing and assessing the clinical efficacy, imaging changes, and complications following the procedure. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 52 DLS patients (12 men and 40 women, aged 65.84 ± 9.873 years) who underwent LLIF from January 2019 to January 2023. The operation time, blood loss, complications, clinical efficacy indicators (visual analogue scale [VAS], Oswestry disability index [ODI], and 36‐Item Short Form Survey), and imaging indicators (coronal position: Cobb angle and center sacral vertical line–C7 plumbline [CSVL–C7PL]; and sagittal position: sagittal vertical axis [SVA], lumbar lordosis [LL], pelvic incidence angle [PI], and thoracic kyphosis angle [TK] were measured). All patients were followed up. The above clinical evaluation indexes and imaging outcomes of patients postoperatively and at last follow‐up were compared to their preoperative results. Results Compared to the preoperative values, the Cobb angle and LL angle were significantly improved after surgery (p 0.05) but improved significantly at follow‐up (p 0.05) but considerably improved during follow‐up (p < 0.001). PI showed no significant change at either the postoperative or follow‐up timepoints. Conclusion Lateral lumbar intervertebral fusion treatment of DLS significantly improved sagittal and coronal balance of the lumbar spine, as well as compensatory thoracic scoliosis, with good clinical and radiological findings. Furthermore, there was less blood, less trauma, and quicker recovery from surgery.

Keywords

• Clinical Efficacy
• Compensatory Thoracic Scoliosis
• DLS
• Imaging Analysis
• Intervertebral Balance
• LLIF