Publication:

Comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes between TLIF and PLIF in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis

Background Degenerative spondylolisthesis, often causing leg pain or radiculopathy, involves the forward displacement of a vertebra over the one below. Therefore, this study aims to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between transforaminal and posterior lumbar interbody fusion techniques in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. The aim of the study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between transforaminal and posterior lumbar interbody fusion techniques in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods This prospective comparative study at the Department of Orthopaedics, National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) and Bangladesh Spine and Orthopaedic Hospital (BSOH), Dhaka, Bangladesh (January 2022–December 2023) included 35 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Preoperative evaluation included demographics, BMI, VAS, ODI and radiological assessment. TLIF and PLIF were performed under general anesthesia, with operative parameters, complications and postoperative outcomes recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0; p 0.05). Operative time and hospital stay were comparable, while blood loss was lower in TLIF (320±85 vs. 410±95 ml, p=0.01). Postoperative VAS, ODI and fusion rates were similar. Total complications were lower in TLIF (11.1% vs. 47.1%, p=0.03), mainly due to dural tears (0% vs. 29.4%, p=0.04).

Conclusion TLIF and PLIF provide comparable clinical and radiological outcomes in degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, with TLIF showing a safer perioperative profile.