Case Series of 11 Patients Operated with Axial-LIF Technique in a Single Center in Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Since the earliest description of spinal fusion in 1911 and later by Dr. Fred H. Albee, it has become one of the most commonly performed procedures by orthopedist and neurosurgeons. The spinal fusion is now used to treat a variety of indications, such as traumatic injuries, deformities, primary and secondary tumors, infections and degenerative conditions of the spine. The risk of iatrogenic injury during traditional anterior, posterior, and transforaminal open fusion surgery is significant. The axial lumbar interbody fusion (Axia-LIF) is a minimal invasive technique which uses the retroperitoneumpresacral anatomical corridor to fuse the lumbar vertebral bodies L4-L5-S1 avoiding manipulation of the annular ligament, paravertebral muscles and facet joints. Methods: In this retrospective series, we report all the cases made in the Centro Medico Naval in México City in two years. A total of eleven patients with degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis underwent Axia-LIF one or two level systems with a 36 months clinical and radiographic follow-up. The outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and leg/back pain severity. Radiographic outcome was evaluated with dynamics and orthogonal x-ray, as well as lumbosacral tomography scan to evaluate fusion status. Results: Nine patients underwent Axia-LIF one level system (L5-S1) and the rest two levels system (L4-S1). Ten patients were fixated with transpedicular percutaneous screws and one with facets joints screws. No intraoperative complications were reported. The mean back pain severity improved 57% in 12 months, and the mean leg pain severity improved 50% in