Functional And Radiographic Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Posterior Instrumentation, Autologous Inferior Articular Facet Bone Block with Polyetheretherketone Cages and Morselized Autologous Bone Graft

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion along with transpedicular fixation has been a well-established method for lumbar spinal fusion for patient with degenerative spine diseases. Improvement for overall post-operative outcomes in relation to bony union and stability has been controversial. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using inferior articular facet bone block autograft with PEEK cage with morselized autograft in patients with Degenerative Lumbar spine disease

Methods: Retrospective study, 18 patients (6 females and 12 males) included. Immediate and 1-year post-op follow up for Taillard index and Radiographic criteria for union were compared. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) pre-and post-operatively, was assessed through follow-up/telemedicine.

Results: The mean age was 63 years old (SD=11.75). Pre – 36.2 and post operative 9.5 ODI (t=1.57, p=0.122) was statistically different. Immediate and 1 year follow up Taillard indices were not statistically different. Close correlation between functional outcomes and radiographic union cannot be established due to sample size. 

Conclusion: TLIF using inferior articular facet bone block with PEEK cage has promising results in achieving satisfactory functional outcomes and bony union in the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease. Comparative study between use of iliac bone graft versus the autologous inferior articular facet bone block is encouraged. 

Keywords: Transforaminal interbody fusion, inferior articular facet bone block graft, PEEK cage, TLIF, Degenerative lumbar spine disease, Oswestry Disability Index, Taillard Index