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