Abstract
We experienced two cases of Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) for lateral nerve root compression. The first case was a 58-year-old woman who suffered from lumbago and severe right leg pain. Clinical neurological findings following a MRI suggested right L5 radiculopathy. The MRI revealed a convexity of the right lateral margin of the disc and foraminal stenosis at L5/S1. TLIF procedure was performed on the right side after the diagnosis was confirmed through right L5 radiculography and anesthetic nerve root block. The second case was a 48-year-old man who complained of severe pain in the left thigh. He had already undergone lumbar discectomy at the left L4/5 twice. Clinical neurological post MRI findings suggested left L4 radiculopathy. The MRI revealed left lateral disc herniation at L4/5. TLIF procedure was performed on the left side after the diagnosis was confirmed through left L4 radiculography and anesthetic nerve root block. The clinical outcome after surgery in both cases was satisfactory. During TLIF procedure complete surgical decompression of the nerve root was performed by total resection of the facet joint. In addition lumbar interbody fusion could be treated during one surgical procedure.
