M Behrens KM, Elgafy H. Factors affecting outcomes of indirect decompression after oblique and lateral lumbar interbody fusions. World J Orthop 2025; 16(3): 100772 [PMID: 40124722 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v16.i3.100772]
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05431296
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March 18, 2025, 06:58
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As this is a editorial article, it has got no sections of methods, results, tables, biostatistics, units and ethical statement to provide commentary on these sections.
The editorial by Behrens and Elgafy provides an insightful analysis of factors influencing outcomes in indirect decompression through oblique and lateral lumbar interbody fusions (OLIF and LLIF). The discussion on patient selection criteria, particularly regarding preoperative spinal canal dimensions and lateral recess depth, is a valuable contribution to clinical decision-making. The emphasis on the unpredictability of outcomes in patients with severe lateral recess stenosis and the potential need for staged procedures highlights a crucial consideration for spine surgeons.
However, one area that could benefit from further exploration is the long-term stability of indirect decompression compared to direct decompression, especially concerning adjacent segment disease and fusion longevity. Additionally, a deeper comparison of OLIF and LLIF in terms of specific complications and recovery trajectories would provide even greater clinical relevance.
Overall, this editorial offers a comprehensive and well-referenced synthesis of the current literature on indirect decompression. It serves as a useful guide for surgeons considering minimally invasive approaches while remaining cautious about their limitations.
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