Researchers analyzed the fusion rates of anterior lumbar interbody fusion, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and axial arthordesis at the lumbosacral junction in adult patients. These patients experienced one- and two-level degenerative spine conditions, according to a Clinical Spine Surgery study.
The study reviewed articles discussing the fusion rate of L5/S1 for an ALIF, TLIF and axial interbody fusion. Researchers analyzed 42 articles and 1,507 patients.
Here are six takeaways:
1. TLIF demonstrated a 99.2 percent fusion rate.
2. ALIF saw a 97.2 percent fusion rate.
3. Axial interbody fusion had a 90.5 percent fusion rate.
4. The researchers found a significant difference between TLIF and axial interbody fusion when comparing fusion techniques.
5. When bilateral pedicle screws supported interbody fusions, researchers found no statistical variations between the three techniques.
6. The researchers concluded ALIF, TLIF and axial interbody fusion all deliver high fusion rates.