What Is The Optimum Fusion Technique For Adult Spondylolisthesis : PLIF Or TLIF ? A Meta-Analysis From 5 Comparative Studies

Objective:Both of tow methods have been reported effectively in many studies. However, which is the better one is in dispute.This is a meta-analysis. To collect evidence for the optimum selection in the treatment of adult lumbar spondylolisthesis by comparing the clinical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF). Methods:A systematic search was did in PUBMED, MEDLINE, CNKI, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library from 1950 through February 2015. Studies were enrolled based on the study eligibility criteria. Results:Five observational studies were eligible. No significant differences in the clinical satisfaction were seen between PLIF and TLIF(OR=0.94; 95% CI=0.54-1.61; P=0.81). For the complication rate, the differences were no significant between PLIF and TLIF(OR=4.67; 95%CI=0.46-47.63; P=0.10). And there is no significant differences in the fusion rate between PLIF and TLIF(OR=1.15; 95% CI=0.21-6.20; P=0.87). Conclusion:PLIF and TLIF have the same advantage for the treatment of adult lumbar spondylolisthesis. Both of these tow methods could achieve a satisfactory clinical outcome. However, due to the lack of high quality evidence, this conclusion need to be treated with cautious.