Comparison of posterior lumbar interbody fusion with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: To compare posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for spinal fusion in patients previously treated by discectomy. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated pre- and postoperative neurological status via Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Surgical outcome was based on recovery rate percentage (RR%). Adverse event data were reviewed. RESULTS: Both PLIF (n = 26) and TLIF (n = 25) significantly improved neurological status. There were no significant between-group differences in postoperative JOA score, RR% or surgical outcome. Overall, 92.3% patients in the PLIF group and 84% in the TLIF group had an excellent or good outcome (RR ≥ 65%). No patient had a poor outcome (RR < 50%). There were six cases of dural tear in the PLIF group and two in the TLIF group. CONCLUSIONS: PLIF and TLIF provided good outcomes for recurrent lumbar disc herniation. TLIF may be preferred because of its shorter operative time and fewer procedure-related complications than PLIF.