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A Systematic Review of Complications Following Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Including Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (W Hsu, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To assess complications after minimally invasive spinal surgeries including transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) by reviewing the most recent literature.

Recent Findings

Current literature demonstrates that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in spine has improved clinical outcomes and reduced complications when compared with open spinal procedures. Recent studies describing MI-TLIF primarily for degenerative disk disease, spondylolisthesis, and vertebral canal stenosis cite over 89 discrete complications, with the most common being radiculitis (ranging from 2.8 to 57.1%), screw malposition (0.3–12.7%), and incidental durotomy (0.3–8.6%).

Summary

Minimally invasive spine surgery has a distinct set of complications in comparison with other spinal procedures. These complications vary based on the exact MIS procedure and indication. The most frequently documented MI-TLIF complications in current published literature were radiculitis, screw malposition, and incidental durotomy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosurgery, Northwestern University, 676 N Saint Clair, NMH/Arkes Family Pavilion Suite 2210, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Hannah Weiss, Roxanna M. Garcia, Ben Hopkins & Nader S. Dahdaleh

  2. Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), Center for Healthcare Studies, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Roxanna M. Garcia

  3. Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA

    Nathan Shlobin

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  1. Hannah Weiss
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Correspondence to Nader S. Dahdaleh.

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Weiss, H., Garcia, R.M., Hopkins, B. et al. A Systematic Review of Complications Following Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Including Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 328–339 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09574-2

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