Posterior lumbar interbody fusion and cages.

The author of the paper presents an overview of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), including a historical note, a global surgical strategy as well as specific indications for this procedure (discogenic low back pain, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, failed chemonucleolysis, spinal stenosis). A short description of surgical technique can also be found in the paper. The author also emphasises the possible complications linked with this procedure and the need for experienced surgeons in order to decrease the number of postoperative complications. Finally the paper contains a short description of the most commonly used implants during surgical corrections of lumbar biomechanics.