Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Revision of Non‐union Following Prior Posterior Surgery: A Case Report

We report the case of a 75‐year‐old lady who presented with a L2‐3 non‐union 18 months following a L2‐3 and L3‐4 posterior decompression and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Halo of the L2 pedicle screws on imaging was consistent with a non‐union at the L2‐3 level. An anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) approach was originally considered. However, due to the high lumbar approach and patient habitus [body mass index (BMI) > 35], a decision was made to approach the L2‐3 level using an oblique technique. This involved dissection anterior to the psoas muscle to access the L2‐3 disc space. The psoas, kidney and retroperitoneum were retracted using a Synframe for the oblique trajectory. Removal of the prior trans‐foraminal lumbar interbody fusion cage was performed via the oblique approach and insertion of a revised implant. The operation was completed successfully with no perioperative complications noted. Length of stay was 3 days, with the patient achieving rapid pain relief. In the present report, we report the first case using an oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) approach for revision of a prior posterior fusion non‐union at the L2,3 level. The OLIF technique is feasible for revision of a non‐union of upper lumbar levels, with satisfactory fusion achieved with acceptable feasibility.
Source: Orthopaedic Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Tags: CASE REPORT Source Type: research