Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients with Degenerative Lumbar Spine Disease: A Prospective Observational Study

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Degenerative lumbar spine disease (DLSD) is a major cause of chronic low back pain, disability, and poor quality of life in the world. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a popular surgical procedure used to stabilize the lumbar region in patients with degenerative diseases. The study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of PLIF in patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease in a tertiary care center in Bangladesh. Methods & Materials: This prospective observational study was conducted at National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2024 to June 2024. 40 patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease who received single- or two-level PLIF were recruited. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of back and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to measure functional outcomes preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Radiological outcomes, including fusion status, implant position, disc height restoration, and lumbar lordosis, were assessed at 6 months. Data were entered and analyzed on SPSS version 26. Results: The majority (55%) of patients were male. The most common diagnosis was degenerative spondylolisthesis (45%), and the most frequently operated level was L4-L5 (62.5%). Significant improvements were observed in VAS back pain (7.8 to 2.1), VAS leg pain (7.2 to 1.9), and ODI score (58.4 to 22.6) at 6 months (p<0.001). In 75% of patients, definite fusion was obtained, and in 95%, good implant positioning was obtained. Satisfactory overall outcomes (excellent + good) were achieved in 80% of patients. The complication rate was low, and no deaths were reported. Conclusion: PLIF is a safe and effective surgical procedure for degenerative lumbar spine disease, offering significant improvement in functional status and acceptable radiological outcomes within 6 months of surgery.