Unilateral versus bilateral instrumentation with lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar diseases: A retrospective study

Elkhateeb, Tameem M; Zahlawy, Hany EL; Hussien, Mohammed A

doi:10.4103/eoj.eoj_119_23

Unilateral versus bilateral instrumentation with lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative lumbar diseases: A retrospective study

Authors

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients experiencing fusion technique by unilateral versus bilateral instrumentation with interbody lumbar fusion.
Materials and methods
Fifty-nine patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients were managed with bilateral PSF and interbody fusion, and 23 had unilateral PSF and interbody fusion. Clinically, the patients were evaluated using the mJOA score. They were followed up for a minimum period of 3 years. Fusion at follow-up was established using radiographs.
Results
Procedure periods were quicker, and blood loss was fewer in the unilateral group. Fusion rates were comparable in both groups with insignificant differences. There was a statistically significant difference in clinical improvement of JOA scores in both groups.
Conclusion
Unilateral pedicle screw fixation together with interbody fusion is an efficient choice in chosen cases. Prospective, randomized research with a higher number of cases and longer follow-up times is required for more consistent outcomes.

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