Long-term Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Adult Scoliosis

The literature has shown the importance of long-term follow-up for adults with scoliosis treated surgically because complication and revision rates are high. The goal of this study was to determine long-term outcomes and complications of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with posterior instrumentation for adult patients with scoliosis. A retrospective review of our institution's database was performed to identify adult patients with scoliosis treated with LLIF between 2008 and 2013 with a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Medical records were reviewed for complications and revisions. Pre- and postoperative deformity Cobb angle measurements were taken as well as pelvic incidence (PI) and lumbar lordosis (LL). Functional outcome scores, including Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale score for back and leg pain, were assessed preoperatively and at follow-up. Standard binomial and categorical comparative analysis was performed. The 26 patients included had a mean age of 62 years, mean follow-up of 89 months, and mean of 1.8 levels per operation. Four patients (15.4%) required revisions. Mean deformity Cobb angle was 26° preoperatively and 14° postoperatively. Mean PI-LL mismatch was 11.7° preoperatively and 5.9° postoperatively. Nineteen (73%) patients had a PI-LL mismatch greater than 10° preoperatively, whereas only 2 (7.7%) had a mismatch postoperatively. Improvement was seen in all functional outcome scores. Long-term clinical results of LLIF for adults with deformity showed a low proportion of revision in the treatment of a condition with an established high rate of revision. The ability to reduce pelvic mismatch may further reduce the rate of revision. In this study, LLIF resulted in improved functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):e134-e139.].