Minimally invasive versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for low grade lumbar spondylolisthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

7-20-2026

Abstract

PURPOSE: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is used for low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis to reduce access morbidity. However, whether this compromises construct durability versus open surgery (OS) remains uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether MIS-TLIF preserves fusion and reoperation outcomes while improving perioperative outcomes compared with OS.

METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to 1 December 2025. Adult MIS-TLIF was compared with OS-TLIF. Primary outcomes were fusion, overall complications, and reoperation. Secondary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, length of stay (LOS), surgical site infection (SSI), adjacent segment disease, and patient-reported outcomes. Random-effects models were used. Risk of bias (ROBINS-I/RoB) and certainty (GRADE) were assessed.

RESULTS: Nineteen studies encompassing 2117 patients (MIS 948, OS 1169) were included. Fusion was equivalent (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.74-1.74; P = 0.51; I

CONCLUSION: MIS-TLIF achieves comparable fusion and reoperation outcomes while reducing perioperative burden, consistent with task-contingent, tissue-sparing use in appropriately selected patients.

ISSN

2212-1358

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

42477285

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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