Two-year outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes, fusion rates, complications, and adjacent segment degeneration associated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Methods: 32 men and 80 women aged 15 to 85 (mean, 57) years underwent 141 fusions (84 one-level, 27 2-level, and one 3-level) and were followed up for 24 to 76 (mean, 33) months. 92% of the patients had degenerative lumbar disease, 15 of whom had had previous lumbar surgery.

Role of the anterior intermeniscal ligament in tibiofemoral contact mechanics during axial joint loading.

The anterior intermeniscal ligament (AIML) is an anatomically distinct structure that connects the anterior horns of the medial and lateral menisci. We hypothesized that both menisci work together as a unit in converting axial joint loading into circumferential hoop stresses, due to intermeniscal attachments. Therefore, loss of the AIML could lead to increased tibiofemoral contact stress and predispose to arthritic change.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Objective: Comparison of clinical and radiologic outcomes of minimally invasive (MIS) versus Open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Summary Of Background Data: Open TLIF has been performed for many years with good results.