Development and internal validation of a risk score for subsidence of expandable spacers in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Subsidence of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) cages is a common complication. Little is known about risk factors for cage subsidence (CS) of expandable spacers.

Research question

To develop a score for CS risk stratification.

Material and methods

We reviewed consecutive patients treated by TLIF with a specific type of expandable interbody implant. CS at the 3-month follow-up was defined as primary endpoint. We identified risk factors, calculated their effect sizes using multivariable logistic regression models and developed the Expandable TLIF Subsidence Index (ETSI). Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUROC) was performed.

Results

We identified n = 388 patients (mean age 64.8 years, 55.9 % female), in which we performed TLIF at

SUBMITTER: Stienen MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12272598 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature