RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Segmental Lordosis and Disc Height Discrepancies in Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using Expandable Cages
JF International Journal of Spine Surgery
JO Int J Spine Surg
FD International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery
SP 8726
DO 10.14444/8726
A1 Hiyama, Akihiko
A1 Sakai, Daisuke
A1 Katoh, Hiroyuki
A1 Sato, Masato
A1 Watanabe, Masahiko
YR 2025
UL https://www.ijssurgery.com/content/early/2025/03/06/8726.abstract
AB Background This study evaluated discrepancies between the expected intervertebral disc height (DH) and segmental lordosis (SL), defined as predicted values based on the rotations of the expandable cage driver, and the actual DH and SL achieved postoperatively in lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) using expandable cages.Methods A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent LLIF with expandable cages between May 2022 and May 2024. The study included 51 patients (28 men and 23 women; mean age: 70.6 ± 11.7 years). Surgical outcomes measured included SL, anterior DH, posterior DH, average DH, canal diameter, and central canal area (CCA). Pre- and postoperative measurements were compared to evaluate cage effectiveness.Results Postoperative measurements showed significant improvements: SL increased from 3.5° to 4.8° (P = 0.002), anterior DH from 5.9 to 10.7 mm (P < 0.001), PDH from 3.4 to 7.7 mm (P < 0.001), and average DH from 4.6 to 9.2 mm (P < 0.001). Despite these gains, the actual SL (4.8°) was significantly lower than the predicted SL (8.7°, P < 0.001). Canal dimensions also improved, with canal diameter increasing from 5.0 to 8.3 mm and CCA from 55.8 to 89.7 mm² (P < 0.001 for both). A significant correlation was found between changes in posterior DH and CCA (r = 0.272, P = 0.017).Conclusion Expandable cages in LLIF significantly improved DH, SL, and canal dimensions, contributing to better clinical outcomes. However, achieving the ideal SL remains challenging, highlighting the need for further refinement in surgical techniques and cage design.Clinical Relevance Expandable cages in LLIF significantly enhance DH, SL, and spinal canal dimensions, which contribute to improved clinical outcomes such as pain relief and functional recovery. However, the difficulty in achieving the ideal SL suggests further advancements are needed in surgical techniques and cage design to optimize patient outcomes and long-term spinal alignment.Level of Evidence 3.