ArticleInternational journal of spine surgery2025
Safety and Viability of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Complex Revision Lumbar Spine Surgeries: Insights From a Case Series of 135 Patients on Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion/Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage Removal.
Article in International journal of spine surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Three-stage anterior lumbar interbody fusion revision surgery for transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion cage retrieval: surgical steps and preliminary results.Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong) · 2026Article
- Anterior Decompression of L5 Nerve Root for Far-Out Syndrome Due to Anterolateral Vertebral Osteophyte Formation: 2 Case Reports and Literature Review.International journal of spine surgery · 2026Article
- Intraoperative bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest during anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in a morbidly obese patient-a rare complication and management strategy: a case report.Journal of spine surgery (Hong Kong) · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
9 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundAnterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) has emerged as a valuable technique for managing lumbar degenerative conditions and revision surgeries, particularly for addressing complications associated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) cages. However, there is limited evidence documenting its safety and feasibility in the context of revision procedures involving cage removal.
objectiveTo evaluate intraoperative outcomes of ALIF for TLIF/PLIF cage removal, focusing on complications, surgical times, and blood loss in a substantial case series.
methodsThis case series analyzed data from 135 patients who underwent ALIF for TLIF/PLIF cage removal between January 2019 and May 2023. Surgical indications included pseudarthrosis, cage migration, and infection. Outcomes assessed included intraoperative complications, surgical duration, and estimated blood loss.
resultsOf the 135 patients (median age: 47 years, range: 15-78), vascular injuries occurred in only 4 cases, all involving the left iliac vein, and were managed intraoperatively without sequelae. No injuries to retroperitoneal, neural, or organ structures were observed. Median surgical time was 100 minutes (range: 50-210), with most cases resulting in less than 150 mL of blood loss. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of ALIF for managing TLIF/PLIF complications.
conclusionALIF is a safe and effective option for revision surgeries involving TLIF/PLIF cage removal, offering a low complication profile and manageable intraoperative challenges. A critical factor contributing to these favorable outcomes is the multidisciplinary approach, where the collaboration between access and spine surgeons ensures meticulous handling of anatomical and vascular challenges. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides valuable data for further prospective research to explore long-term outcomes and refine surgical techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4:
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.