Clinical & Radiological Outcomes of Posterior Decompression & Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) among Patients with Lumbar Spondylolisthesis – A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Lumbar spondylolisthesis, a condition characterized by the displacement of one vertebra over another, often leads to chronic back pain and functional impairment. Posterior decompression and TLIF are used as surgical options for patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical & radiological outcomes of posterior decompression & transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) among patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at NITOR, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period from January 2020 to December 2021. Total 30 patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis were included in this study. Result: In this study, majority of participants were aged 41-50 (47%), predominantly female (60%). Clinical outcomes showed significant improvements post-treatment: low back pain and leg pain, measured by VAS, decreased substantially, and disability scores (ODI and Roland-Morris) also improved markedly. Quality of life, assessed by SF-36, showed notable enhancements in both physical and mental scores. Radiologically, there were significant improvements in disc and foraminal height, reduction in spondylolisthesis severity, and restoration of lumbar lordosis and spinal stability. The average surgery time was around 147.5 minutes, with a mean blood loss of 382.7 mL and an average hospital stay of 7.1 days. A 90% fusion rate was achieved at 1-year follow-up, with dural tears being the most common complication. Despite some complications, the majority of surgeries were completed safely. Conclusion: Posterior decompression and TLIF appear to be effective in treating lumbar spondylolisthesis, as evidenced by improved clinical and radiological outcomes.