Unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using a single cage for treatment of low grade lytic spondylolisthesis

The authors conducted a prospective study on 30 patients with low grade lytic spondylolisthesis, who underwent unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using a single cage with adjunctive pedicular fixation. There were 17 males and 13 females with a mean age of 39.5 years. The mean follow-up period was 32 months. The overall clinical results were excellent or good in 90% of the patients. Fusion was solid or probable in 91%. Three patients presented initially with a motor deficit; one of them did not recover. According to the literature this technique yields a shorter operative time, less blood loss, less need for intensive care, shorter hospital stay, lower hospital cost and less complications than other techniques for interbody fusion. It is safe and reliable in patients with low grade lytic spondylolisthesis.