To evaluate the learning curve of MIS-TLIF in degenerative spondylolisthesis with understanding of problems and challenges faced during initial cases.
After taken approval from institutional review board, first 109 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF for singlelevel low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2010 to 2015 were evaluated. First 100 cases that formed the study cohort at final follow-up were arranged sequentially in order of date of operation and then grouped in four quartiles. Comprehensive data which included demographics, clinical parameters, surgical parameters, peri-operative incidents (dural tear, technical issues like guide-wire migration, tube docking problems) and complications were assessed.
Median operative time, median blood loss and median radiation exposure gradually decreased as the series progressed, however, showed statistically significant difference between Q1 and Q2 with no significant difference between later quartiles. There was a significant decline in postoperative VAS and ODI scores in all quartiles, however, there was no statistically significant difference in their values on comparison between quartiles. Guide-wire migration, dural tear and tube docking related problems, pedicle screw perforation significantly reduced after 1st quartile.
MIS-TLIF is safe and effective means of treating lumbar spondylolisthesis. The learning curve is achieved between 1st and 2nd quartile (25th to 50th cases). Familiarity with instrumentation, preoperative anatomical planning, better coordination with surgical team and hands-on tissue-training are keys to reduce the learning curve.
Trans-foraminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) has stood the test of time in achieving the aims of reducing the procedure related morbidity as well as fusion rates compared to Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF). However, drawbacks of open procedure i.e stripping of the para-spinal muscles to far lateral extent for exposure of the entry points for pedicle screw accompany with this technique. Foley first intr oduced Minimally Invasive Surgery-TLIF (MIS-TLIF) in 2002 [
Studying the learning curve is important not only to understand the problems faced by a surgeon in initial cases but also to find the way to avoid them, to set guidelines for training and educational purposes, to guide implant-industry for any modifications in instrumentation. Therefore, the effect of learning curve for acquiring a new skill must be considered in order to reach valid conclusions.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the learning curve of MIS-TLIF in large series of lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis patients with problems and challenges faced during initial cases and some recommendations to reduce them.
A retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data of first 109 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF by a fellowship trained spine surgeon for single level low grade degenerative spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade I or II) between 2010 to 2015 was done.
Subjects with multiple level involvements, revision surgery, spinal deformities, acute spinal fracture, infection or spinal tumor were excluded.
With above strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, we found 100 cases that formed the study cohort. These patients were arranged sequentially in order of date of operation and then grouped in four quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4) of 25 patients each with consecutive each group acting as control to prior.
Under general anesthesia, patient was positioned prone on a radiolucent operating table. Under fluroscopic guidance, pedicle images of to be operated vertebrae were confirmed. A 3 cm long paraspinal incision 3-4 cm away from midline was given on the more symptomatic side for decompression utilizing the same for pedicle screw insertion on that side. Sequential dilatation was done and tubular retractor with 22 mm diameter (METRx, Medtronics) was docked over the facet and spino-laminar line. Ipsilateral facetectomy and laminotomy, along with removal of ligamentum flavum were performed under microscope to accomplish adequate neural decompression. Following discectomy and preparation of end plates, appropriate size interbody cage filled with autologous bone was inserted and remaining bone graft was packed into inter-vertebral space medially. Pedicle screws and rods were then inserted through the incisions percutaneously over guide wires on the contra-lateral side followed by ipsilateral side. Bilateral compression was applied before final tightening. Closure in layers was performed following wound hemostasis and copious irrigation.
All the patients were mobilized in-bed on the day of surgery and advised out of bed mobilization depending upon pain on next day by physiotherapist with explained precautions of avoiding bending forward, lifting weight and ground level sitting for 6 weeks. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and then yearly. CT scan was done at 12 months for evaluating fusion and pedicle perforation.
Comprehensive data which included demographics (age, sex, BMI, co-morbidities, operated level and duration of follow-up), preop and post-operative clinical parameters [Visual Analogue Scale (back and leg), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)], surgical parameters [operative time, blood loss, radiation exposure (Gy.cm2)], peri-operative incidents (dural tear, technical issues like guide-wire migration, tube docking related problems) and complications [new-onset radiculopathy or neurological deterioration, infection, pedicle screw perforation, implant loosening or pseudo-arthrosis] were compiled and assessed. Dose Area Product (DAP) was used as the measure of radiation exposure as it best correlates with the effective dose [
Standard SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Linear regression analysis was used to observe the trend of surgical time and ANOVA test was used to compare each variable in different quartiles. ‘P’ value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Patients ranged from 37-77 years with average age 60.89 years. The study group comprised 37 men and 63 women. Average BMI of patients in each quartile was comparable (Q1-24.9, Q2-25, Q3-26.2 and Q4-24.3). Number of patients with one or more co-morbidities were 16, 15, 18 and 14 in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 respectively. The cohort of each quartile was thus homogenous and comparable in regards to demographics. Regarding the level of operation, 79 cases were at L4-L5, 14 cases were at L5-S1, and 7 cases were at L3-L4 levels. Mean follow-up of patients was 24±2.5, 26±3.1, 27±2.7 and 24±1.9 months in Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 respectively (
There was a significant decline in post-operative VAS (leg and back) and ODI scores in all quartiles, however, there was no statistically significant difference in their values on comparing between quartiles (
Median operative time (Q-210, Q2-180, Q3-175 and Q4-180 mins), median blood loss (Q1-275, Q2-200, Q3-200 and Q4-185 mL) and median radiation exposure (Q1-3.5, Q2-3, Q3-3 and Q4-2.9 Gy.cm2) gradually decreased as the series progressed, however, showed statistically significant difference between first two quartiles only. There was no significant difference between later quartiles i.e. Q2-Q3 and Q3-Q4 for the above three parameters (
No cases were converted to open surgery. Dural tear occurred in 5 cases- 3 in Q1, 1 in Q2 and 1 in Q4. All cases of dural tear were managed with fibrin sealant (TISSEEL) and water- tight closure of the wound. No delayed CSF leaks or pseudo-meningocele developed.
Guide-wire migration occurred in 3 cases in first quartile and improper tube-docking occurred in 3 patients in Q1 and 1 patient in Q2.
Superficial wound infection was found in 1 case in Q3. The patient recovered with regular dressings and oral antibiotics.
Non-union was found in 3 cases; 1 in Q1, Q3 and Q4 each at 1-year follow-up on CT scan.
Pedicle screw perforation was found in 5 cases: 3 in Q1, Q2, Q4 resp. Out of them, 1 case (case 56) was symptomatic with new onset radicular pain. Perforation was diagnosed on immediate CT scan and posted for revision of screw. The radicular pain subsided immediate postoperatively. There were no cases of neurological worsening or implant loosening at final follow-up (
Every surgeon performing a new procedure faces certain difficulties that he overcomes over a period of time. Moreover, in MIS procedures it takes greater time for a new surgeon’s psychomotor skills of operating through a narrow channel by viewing under microscope to evolve. This study aims to evaluate the learning curve of MIS-TLIF with problems and challenges faced during initial cases.
Yang et al. retrospectively studied 65 cases of single level MIS-TLIF performed and found asymptote at 21st case [
Yang et al. found surgical time, blood loss and fluoroscopy time as the factors correlating with the learning curve [
The steep decline in operative time and blood loss till 2nd quartile in our study might be attributable to accurate placement of tubular retractor at desired level in shorter period of time. Knowledge of using appropriate size tubular retractor had also led to decreased soft tissue herniation which ultimately lead to decreased operative time and blood loss. We recommend 10 mm longer tube retractor than the actual size measured on tube aiding in a flush to lamina docking preventing muscle creeping.
Radiation exposure also significantly decreased in 2nd quartile as compared to 1st quartile from 3.5 Gy.cm2 to 3 Gy.cm2. Better understanding of taking true AP and Lateral images also helped in reduction of exposures. Also, the perception of the suboptimal images by the surgeon improves over time and maintaining the surgical sequence same aids the technician in knowing the required position of C-arm for the next step.
There was no significant difference in improvement of clinical parameters between the quartiles as extent of decompression was remained the same in all patients.
5 dural tears had occurred in our study, 3 were in Q1, 1 in Q2 and 1 in Q4. Higher incidence in Q1 was mainly due to guide-wire perforation of dura while docking of tube hence discontinued using guide-wire while tube docking after certain cases in Q1.
Guide-wire migration occurred in 3 cases in Q1 in our study at the time of pedicle screw insertion. Passing the guide-wire only until junction of posterior 1/3 to anterior 2/3 of vertebral body as on C-arm, holding the wire tightly by assistant while removing instruments and use of threaded blunt-tipped wires helped in preventing this complication.
Tube docking related problems occurred in 3 patients in Q1 and 1 patient in Q2 which indirectly led to increased operative time and blood loss in initial cases. In Q1, 2 patients had inferior docked tube due to high inclined laminae and 1 patient had superior docked tube led to difficulty in identify the anatomical landmarks. In all cases, we removed the tubes and reinserted it back at correct position. 1 patient in Q2 with severe facet-joint hypertrophy had problem in identifying the spino-laminar line and facet joint. The dissection was carried out until we reached the spino-laminar line with appreciable facet-joint laterally and then tube was re-docked.
Pedicle screw perforation was encountered in 5 cases: 3 in Q1, 1 in Q2 and Q4 respectively. The higher number of screws perforated initially can be attributed to lack of tactile feeling with needle tip and bad selection of optimal entry point with less knowledge of taking true fluoroscopic images while inserting the screws.
Sclafani performed a systematic review for MIS articles and found that for MIS fusion procedures, the most common complications were implant mal-position, neural injury, and nonunion [
Our study include its retrospective nature; however, database was prospectively maintained. Certain non-modifiable confounding factors were present which include- individual surgeons learning ability as some surgeons are slow while some are quick learners and other MIS procedures performed by the surgeon during the study duration.
We recommend certain guidelines to follow by novice surgeon during initial cases and practicing them on bone sawbone models and tissue-training in mentoring programs to reduce the learning curve of this technique -
1. Proper pre-operative planning with best knowledge of anatomical landmarks.
a. Pedicle anatomy, length, diameter congenital abnormality should be studied on preop CT scan.
b. Anatomic landmarks like inclination of laminae, broader/narrow laminae, bulbous spinous process, facet joint hypertrophy should be studied.
2. Appropriate patient selection. Avoid obese patients in initial cases.
3. Proper patient positioning.
4. Always take True-Lateral/AP fluoroscopic image while inserting guidewires and tube docking.
5. Based on the patient size and obesity, skin incision can modify to more lateral position.
6. Use appropriate length of tubular retractors. Longer length can lead to increase in working length of the instruments and shorter to more soft-tissue herniation.
7. Diameter of the tube is utmost important and depends on patient size and facet joint hypertrophy. Larger retractor makes localization and performance better however, in smaller patients, larger tube may impinge on spinous process or laminae limiting the depth of insertion with more soft tissue herniation.
8. Don’t use the guide wire during tube docking
9. Dock the tube exactly at facet joint with spino-laminar line visible and start your first bite of laminotomy at spino-laminar junction followed by facetectomy.
10. Avoid the use of burr while doing laminotomy in initial cases.
11. During facetectomy, ligamentum flavum should remain intact till bony decompression is complete; it reduces the incidence of dural tear.
12. While inserting pedicle screw, spend time to obtain tactile feeling with needle tip and try to palpate the bony junction between lateral facet and transverse process to select optimal entry point and get appropriate medial to lateral trajectory of needle until its tip appears at lateral cortical margin of pedicle in AP view.
13. Guide wire should not be placed anterior to junction of anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the vertebral body.
14. Avoid driving screws too much deeper than necessary to prevent the screw tulip from resting on facet joint
15. Practice to handle the microscope on models for better eye-hand coordination.
MIS-TLIF is very safe and effective means of treating lumbar spondylolisthesis. With the asymptote being at 25th case, familIarity with instrumentation, preoperative anatomical planning, better coordination with surgical team and hands-on tissuetraining with above mentioned guidelines are keys to reduce the learning curve.
Ⓐ preoperative AP X-ray image, Ⓑ preoperative Lateral X-ray image, Ⓒ sagittal MRI view, Ⓓ axial MRI cut, Ⓔ postoperative AP X-ray image, Ⓕ postoperative Lateral X-ray image.
Linear regression curve fit analysis of surgical time.
Patient demographics
Mean±SD | Q1 (25) | Q2 (25) | Q3 (25) | Q4 (25) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Age | 59.8±5.3 | 61.56±10.18 | 61.76±6.55 | 59.48±8.6 |
Male/Female | 17F:8M | 13F:12M | 18F:7M | 15F:10M |
BMI (Kg/m2) | 24.9±1.9 | 25±0.8 | 26.2±1.13 | 24.3±1.1 |
Co-morbidities (1 or more) | 16 | 15 | 18 | 14 |
Lysthesis (I/II) | 11/14 | 16/9 | 10/15 | 14/11 |
L3-L4 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
L4-L5 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 18 |
L5-S1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
Mean follow-up (months) | 24±2.5 | 26±3.1 | 27±2.7 | 24±1.9 |
BMI: body mass index.
Clinical parameters
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mean Pre-op VAS (Back pain) (±SD) | 6.7±1.3 | 5.9±1.1 | 6.2±1.13 | 5.5±0.99 |
Mean Pre-op VAS (Leg pain) (±SD) | 7.8±1.15 | 7.32±1.18 | 7.16±1.18 | 7.16±0.94 |
Mean Pre-op ODI (±SD) | 63.84±6.025 | 60.16±6.71 | 63.12±6.81 | 65.68±6.34 |
Mean VAS postop (Back pain) (±SD) | 2±0.9 | 1.9±1.12 | 2.1±1.1 | 1.8±1.3 |
Mean VAS postop (Leg pain) (±SD) | 1.8±1 | 1.68±1.11 | 1.12±0.8327 | 1.32±0.6272 |
Mean ODI postop (±SD) | 25.12±2.587 | 23.36±2.43 | 23.76±2.33 | 23.44±2.275 |
VAS: visual analogue score; ODI: oswestry disability Index; SD: standard deviation.
p-value in all four quartiles between preoperative and postoperative VAS–BACK and LEG pain is <0.05.
p-value in all four quartiles between preoperative and postoperative ODI is <0.05, so statistically significant.
Comparison of surgical parameters preop and postop in different quartiles
Quartiles | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mean Surgical time (min) (±SD) | 210.6±11.93 | 182.8±11.28 | 177±10.20 | 177.4±8.18 |
Median Surgery time (min) | 210 | 180 | 175 | 180 |
Mean Blood loss (mL) (±SD) | 275.44±21.14 | 206.8±22.86 | 200.6±14.74 | 197±10.99 |
Median Blood loss (mL) | 275 | 200 | 200 | 185 |
Mean Radiation exposure (Gy.cm2) (±SD) | 3.55±0.279 | 3±0.116 | 2.933±0.129 | 2.888±0.123 |
Median Radiation exposure (Gy.cm2) | 3.5 | 3 | 3 | 2.9 |
p-value regarding surgical time, Blood loss and radiation exposure in between Q1 to Q2 is <0.05, so considered statistically significant. However, between Q2-Q3 and Q3-Q4 is >0.05, so not significant change in the values.
Complications
Complications | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dural tear | 3 | 1 | - | 1 |
Guide wire migration while inserting screw | 3 | - | - | - |
Tube docking problem | 3 | 1 | - | |
Infection | - | - | 1 | - |
New onset radiculopathy | - | - | 1 | - |
Non-union | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
Pedicle screw perforation | 3 | 1 | - | 1 |
Summary of articles in literature studying learning curve in MIS-TLIF
Year | Type | Cohort | Statistical analysis | Parameters (p< 0.005) | Asymptote | complications |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 Yang Yang et al. | Retrospective study- 65 cases, | Single-level MIS-TLIF | Piecewise regression analysis using R statistical software based on surgical duration | Operative time | Asymptote at 21 case | No statistically significant difference in two groups |
Single senior surgeon>20 years experience | Lumbar degenerative disease | Intra-op fluoroscopy time | Hence compared first 21 with later 44 | |||
Blood loss | ||||||
Post-operative analgesic usage, Ambulatory time | ||||||
2015 Yung P et al. | Retrospective review of- 124 cases | Complications | Statistically significant difference in early and late groups | |||
2014 Sclafani JA | Systematic review of complications with initial LC of MIS techniques | 15 original articles studied | Learning curve was overcome for operative time and complications as a function of case numbers in 20 to 30 consecutive cases for most techniques | m/c complication Durotomy, overall complication rate 11% | ||
2014 Lee KH | Prospective cohort study-90 cases | Single-level | Operative time | 44 case | Early group n=3 | |
Fluoroscopy duration | Hence compared first 44 with later 46 | Late group n=1 | ||||
Patient controlled analgesia | ||||||
2013 Pedro et al. | Retrospective study-150, Data from 2 institutions, Single surgeon | 1 or 2 level | Negative exponential curve-ft regression analysis | Operative time complications | 50% learning-case 9 | Early group 33% |
Single level-110 cases | 90% learning case 30 | Late group 20.51% | ||||
2013 Sreehsrsha Nandyala | Retrospective analysis | Single level | Two-tailed Student t-test between two groups | Operative time | First 33 compared to later 32 | No statistically significant difference in two groups |
65 cases | Lumbar degenerative disease | Blood loss | ||||
Single surgeon | Duration of anaesthesia Iv fluids | |||||
2012 J C Lee et al. | 86 cases prospective data | 1 or 2 level | Logarithmic curve-fit regression analysis | Corrected operative time per level, Operativebloodloss, A mbulationrecoverytime | 22nd case Hence compared first | No statistically significant difference in two groups |
Single level-60 cases | ||||||
2010 Chris J | 28 cases | Majority cases were of degenerative disc disease | Operative time (p=0.25) | Divided in two groups 14 each, | No sign. Diff in screw placement accuracy | |
Retrospective review | 1 or 2 levels | Learning curve on basis of Op time-15 cases | ||||
Neurosurgical resident |