DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i01.001

Pages: 1-9

Background: A Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) procedure allows the surgeon to insert bone graft and cage into the disc space from a unilateral approach. PLIF fuses the anterior (front) and posterior (back) columns of the spine through a single posterior approach. By using cage, restoration of disc height and indirectly foraminal height can occur. Pedicle screws and rods give immediate stability. Objective: To determine the clinical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using cage combined with decompression and stabilization of lumbar spine for spondylolisthesis. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the National Institute of Traumatology Orthopedic and Rehabilitation from July 2015 to June 2017. All spondylolisthetic patients of both sexes age above 18 years were included in this study. A total number of 20 patients were enrolled as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Diagnosis of spondylolisthesis and instability was made by history, clinical examination and X-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine was done routinely to delineate the intra-spinal pathoanatomy. Surgery was done by posterior lumbar interbody fusion using cage, bone graft and stabilization by pedicle screws and rods. Preoperative and postoperative pain status was recorded by self-evaluated Visual Analog Score (VAS) and disability by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).