Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion, Indications and Complications—An Updated Review

Abstract

PurposeTo perform an updated and comprehensive review of LLIF; we will also introduce a new modified LLIF named as crenel lateral interbody fusion (CLIF) to reduce the approach-related complicationsMethodsA systematic and critical review of recent literature was conducted. The sources of the data were form PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. Key search terms were "transpsoas", "interbody fusion", "LLIF", "XLIF", and “DLIF”ResultsStand-alone LLIF has the risk of cage subsidence and non-union rate. LLIF has less complication compared with other approaches because of its minimal invasive, but it still has some specific complications.ConclusionLLIF is a safe, effective and lower complication rate technique when compared to other interbody fusion methods.