The Effect of Indirect Decompression Through Extraforaminal Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Lumbar Disease.

Purpose: Extraforaminal lumbar interbody fusion as with other methods that involve the mechanism of indirect decompression, the discussion not only focuses on the benefit of minimizing the risk of thecal sac injury and postoperative scarring, but also on the risk of insufficient decompression in the affected neural structures during the reduction of the affected segment.

Methods: Eighty-two patients presenting with degenerative lumbar disease with segmental instability underwent ELIF combined with transpedicular fixation and circumferential fusion. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed.