Background:

Although endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) may combine the advantages of minimally invasive fusion and endoscopic spine surgery, little evidence exists on endoscopic TLIF. This meta-analysis investigated the clinical results of endoscopic TLIF.

Materials and methods:

We performed a systematic search of web-based electronic databases to identify articles on endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion. Only studies of water-based endoscopic TLIF with pedicle screw fixation were included. We analyzed preoperative and postoperative scores for the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scales (VAS) for back and leg pain to evaluate clinical efficacy. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of VAS and ODI was analyzed. We calculated differences in means and 95% confidence intervals, and investigated indications for endoscopic TLIF, surgical approaches for endoscopic TLIF, the endoscopic systems that were used, and procedure-related complications.

Results:

Thirteen articles were included in this meta-analysis. Uniportal and biportal endoscopic systems were used. Six articles used the posterolateral approach and 7 used the trans-Kambin approach. Preoperative ODI and VAS scores for leg and back pain significantly improved after endoscopic TLIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (P=0.00). The ODI significantly improved by twice as much as the MCID. The mean change in the VAS for back and leg pain showed significant improvements over the MCID. The perioperative complications were usually minor.

Conclusions:

The early clinical results of endoscopic TLIF with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation are favorable. However, long-term outcomes should be investigated and randomized controlled trials should be conducted.