Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22310367Keywords:
Minimally invasive surgery, Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, Degenerative spondylolisthesis, Spinal fusion, Patient-reported outcomesAbstract
Background: Degenerative spondylolisthesis with symptomatic stenosis is a common indication for lumbar fusion, and
minimally invasive (MIS) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has become a widely used alternative to open surgery.
Objective: To synthesise published evidence comparing MIS-TLIF with open TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Methods: Narrative review of indication studies, technique descriptions, comparative cohorts, randomized and registry data, and
meta-analyses. Findings: MIS-TLIF reduces blood loss and length of stay relative to open TLIF, with comparable fusion rates (90-95%) and similar long-term pain-score improvement in five-year registry data. Complication and reoperation rates are broadly similar
between techniques, though MIS-TLIF carries a front-loaded learning curve and greater fluoroscopic exposure.
Conclusions: MIS-TLIF offers meaningful perioperative advantages over open TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis without
compromising fusion or long-term function, supporting its selective use in appropriately chosen patients by adequately trained
surgeons.
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