1. Role of unilateral partial facet joint preservation in postero-lateral approach lumbar interbody fusion for patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis presenting bilateral lower limb symptoms: a retrospective study.
- Author
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Sun C, Qu C, Zhou C, Zhu K, Tao H, and Ma X
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, Retrospective Studies, Aged, Middle Aged, Treatment Outcome, Lower Extremity surgery, Follow-Up Studies, Spinal Stenosis surgery, Spinal Stenosis diagnostic imaging, Spinal Fusion methods, Lumbar Vertebrae surgery, Lumbar Vertebrae diagnostic imaging, Decompression, Surgical methods, Zygapophyseal Joint surgery, Zygapophyseal Joint diagnostic imaging
- Abstract
Background: Posterolateral decompression and fusion with internal fixation is a commonly used surgical approach for treating degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS). This study aims to evaluate the impact of preserving a portion of the unilateral facet joint during decompression on surgical outcomes and long-term recovery in patients., Methods: This study analyzed 73 patients with DLSS accompanied by bilateral lower limb neurological symptoms who underwent single-level L4/5 posterolateral decompression and fusion surgery from January 2022 to March 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of surgery received: Group A comprised 31 patients who underwent neural decompression without facet joint preservation, while Group B consisted of 42 patients who underwent neural decompression with preservation of partial facet joints on one side. Regular follow-up evaluations were conducted, including clinical and radiological assessments immediately postoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months thereafter. Key patient information was documented through retrospective chart reviews., Results: Most patients in both groups experienced favorable surgical outcomes. However, four cases encountered complications. Notably, during follow-up, Group B demonstrated superior 1-year postoperative interbody fusion outcomes (P < 0.05), along with a trend towards less interbody cage subsidence and slower postoperative intervertebral disc height loss. Additionally, Group B showed significantly reduced postoperative hospital stay (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Under strict adherence to surgical indications, the posterior lateral lumbar fusion surgery, which preserves partial facet joint unilaterally during neural decompression, can offer greater benefits to patients., (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2024
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