Three-dimensional computed tomographic evaluation of lateral lumbar interbody fusion: morphometric change of intervertebral structure

Purpose Two-dimensional (2D) analyses of intervertebral disc (IVD) height and foramen measurements following lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) have been reported. However, three-dimensional (3D) morphometric analysis of intervertebral structure using 3D computed tomography (3D CT) provides increased precision for measuring morphological changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3D changes of lumbar IVD height and foramen diameter in degenerative lumbar disease patients following LLIF. Methods Subject-based 3D CT lumbar models were created for 26 patients before and following LLIF. IVD height (whole and five anatomical zones) and foramen diameter (minimum and maximum) were measured based on the model using custom software. The sagittal placement of cages (SPC) and cross-sectional area of the thecal sac (CSA) were measured. Changes in these parameters by LLIF were quantified and statistically analysed. Results Following LLIF, disc height increased by an average of 2.9 mm ( P