COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY VERSUS TRADITIONAL OPEN SURGERY FOR SPINAL FUSION IN LUMBAR DISC DEGENERATION

Abstract

Background: Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a prevalent condition leading to chronic lower back pain and functional impairment. Spinal fusion is a well-established treatment, with minimally invasive surgery (MIS) emerging as an alternative to traditional open surgery (OS). This study compares clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of MIS and OS for spinal fusion in LDD.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 120 patients diagnosed with LDD, treated with spinal fusion (60 MIS, 60 OS) between 2015 and 2020. Outcomes were assessed over 5 years, using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain.
Complication rates, length of hospital stay, and radiological outcomes (fusion success and
alignment) were also evaluated.
Results: MIS demonstrated significant reductions in hospital stay (3.2 vs. 6.1 days, p < 0.01) and
complication rates (10% vs. 25%, p < 0.05). Both groups showed comparable ODI and VAS
improvements, but MIS patients experienced faster recovery in the first year. Radiological
outcomes were similar, with fusion success rates of 95% in MIS and 93% in OS.
Conclusion: MIS for spinal fusion offers comparable clinical and radiological outcomes to OS
while reducing complications and recovery time. These findings highlight MIS as a viable
alternative to OS for LDD patients.