why choose us

300×250 Ad Slot

Research Article: Comparative analysis of unilateral biportal endoscopy and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in treating lumbar spinal brucellosis

Date Published: 2026-06-01

Abstract:
This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of unilateral biportal endoscopy-assisted transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) vs. minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar spinal brucellosis, with the goal of identifying an optimized surgical strategy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 patients with lumbar spinal brucellosis who underwent surgery between January 2018 and June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: UBE-TLIF ( n =?32) and MIS-TLIF ( n =?30). Baseline characteristics, perioperative parameters (operative time, estimated blood loss, incision length, hospital stay), inflammatory markers [Brucella agglutination titer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], procalcitonin [PCT]], pain scores [visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain], functional outcomes [Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)], intervertebral disc height, complications, bone fusion rate, and MacNab criteria were compared between groups. The two groups were comparable in baseline characteristics ( P >?0.05). The UBE-TLIF group demonstrated significantly shorter operative time and hospital stay, less intraoperative blood loss, and smaller incisions ( P <?0.05). Postoperative inflammatory markers decreased significantly in both groups ( P <?0.05), with no significant intergroup differences ( P >?0.05). The UBE-TLIF group had significantly lower VAS scores at 1 and 3 months postoperatively ( P <?0.05), but these differences resolved by 6 months and final follow-up ( P >?0.05). Both groups showed significant improvements in ODI and intervertebral disc height postoperatively ( P <?0.05), with no intergroup differences ( P >?0.05). Complications included three dural tears (UBE-TLIF) and four nerve root injuries (MIS-TLIF), all managed conservatively, with comparable complication rates ( P >?0.05). Mean follow-up was 18.5?±?3.6 months in the UBE-TLIF group and 18.1?±?3.9 months in the MIS-TLIF group ( P >?0.05). No recurrence or implant-related complications occurred. Bone fusion rates (96.88% vs. 93.33%) and MacNab excellent/good rates (93.75% vs. 90.00%) were similar between groups ( P >?0.05). Both UBE-TLIF and MIS-TLIF are safe and effective surgical options for lumbar spinal brucellosis, providing adequate infection control, pain relief, functional restoration, and satisfactory bone fusion. UBE-TLIF offers superior minimally invasive benefits, including shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, less surgical trauma, and enhanced early postoperative pain control, supporting its preferential application in appropriately selected patients by surgeons with relevant expertise.

Introduction:
Brucellosis is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by Brucella infection, and spinal brucellosis is one of the most common musculoskeletal system complications, with the lumbar spine as the most frequently affected segment ( 1 , 2 ). Lumbar spinal brucellosis is mainly characterized by vertebral bone destruction, intervertebral space narrowing, inflammatory reaction and even spinal canal stenosis and nerve root compression, which can cause persistent low back and leg pain, motor and sensory dysfunction of lower…

Read more

300×250 Ad Slot