Anterior/posterior lumbar fusion versus transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: Analysis of complications and predictive factors

No previous study has compared the complications between anterior/posterior and transforaminal interbody fusions. We performed a retrospective analysi s of 164 patients to compare the complications and associated predictive fa ctors of the two techniques of circumferential lumbar fusion. Fifty-three h ad same-day anterior/posterior fusion (group 1), and 111 had transforaminal interbody fusion (group 2). Mean operating time (p < 0.0001) and hospital stay (p < 0.0001) was significantly longer for group 1 patients. Average bl ood loss was greater for group 1 patients (p < 0.01). Higher complication r ates were found in group 1 patients (p < 0.004). Wound infection occurred m ore frequently in patients with adjunctive treatment (p < 0.04). Hospital s tay was an independent predictor of complications in both groups. In group 1, body mass index was independently associated with complications. In grou p 2, both hospital stay and adjunctive treatment were predictive of complic ations. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is the preferred technique b ecause it is associated with shorter operating time, less blood loss, short er hospital stay, and lower incidence of complications.