胸腰椎移行部，円錐部レベルでのtransforaminal approachによる椎体間固定

Abstract

The author presents the transforaminal interbody fusion at thoracolumbar and conus levels with polyaxial pedicle screws and rods systems. Materials and Methods: Seven patients with ages ranging from 40-80 showed conus medullaris syndrome due to thoracolumbar problems. Thoracic disc herniation: 2, Failed back syndrome: 2. Adjacent problems after PLIF: 2. Both cord decompression and insertion of interbody fusion cages could safely be completed by unilateral facetectomy using distraction force on the pedicle screws. Results: All patients showed improvement of urinary and gait disturbance without complications. Bony fusion was checked and followed by postoperative CT and the vertebral intensity around cages became higher within one month. Conclusions: This approach is an application of "TLIF (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion)" reported by Harms(Germany). This safe and solid fusion with decompression technique has no necessity for the opening of abdominal and thoracic cavities and it is very useful for aged and patients.