Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technique, Complications, and Early Results *

Circumferential fusion improves rates of fusion and clinical outcomes when utilized to treat lumbosacral spine pathologies. Historically, surgeons had the choice of either a sequential two-step anterior and posterior fusion or posterior lumbar interbody fusion with simultaneous posterolateral fusion to achieve circumferential fusion. However, these approaches are fraught with their respective individual complications. The transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has the potential to achieve a circumferential fusion without significant neurologic risk in a single unstaged operation. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety, surgical efficacy, modifications to the technique used by the authors, and advantages of TLIF with pedicle screw fixation.