| PMC full text: | Published online 2016 Oct 18. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2016.08.007
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Table 3
Advantages and Disadvantages of Most Common Spinal Fusion Procedures
| Procedure | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| ALIF | Back muscles and nerves are undisturbed Larger implant can be inserted to provide better initial stability Increased surface area available for fusion | Close proximity to major anterior blood vessels |
| PLIF | Can provide anterior fusion without second incision | Less disk material can be removed Smaller implant, less stability More difficult to reduce spondylolisthesis deformity Small risk of cage displacing posteriorly into canal and creating neural compression |
| TLIF | Allows lateral access to disk space, minimizes risk to neural structures Bone fusion enhanced because bone graft is placed along gutters of the spine posteriorly but also in disk space Spacer inserted into disk space helping to restore normal disk height Allows unilateral approach laterally with less need for retraction of nerve roots | Not effective for bilateral disk injuries |
| LLIF/XLIF | Minimally invasive: less tissue damage and blood loss Smaller incision and scars Less postoperative discomfort Quicker recovery time | Added risk to lumbar plexus In case of complication it is difficult to convert to open spinal surgery |
LLIF/XLIF, lateral lumbar interbody fusion/extreme lateral lumbar interbody fusion
PLIF, posterior lumbar interbody fusion
TLIF, transforaminal interbody fusion.