Group A (PLF), N = 19

Group B (PLIF), N = 19

P

Pain (VAS score ), mean ± SD

1 month post-operative

6 months post-operative

3.11 ± 1.1

1.95 ± 1.3

3.32 ± 1.1

1.68 ± 0.7

0.56

0.44

Muscle weakness post-operative

No

Grade 5-

18 (94.7%)

1 (5.3%)

17 (89.5%)

2 (10.5%)

1

Complication

No

CSF leak

Back Pain

Break down of one screw

Wound infection

Compression of nerve root with pedicle screw

Nerve root compression during cage insertion

15 (79%)

1 (5.2%)

1 (5.2%)

1 (5.2%)

1 (5.2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

17 (89.5%)

1 (5.2%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

1 (5.2%)

1 (5.2%)

1

Arthrodesis after 6 months

No

Yes

7 (36.8%)

12 (63.2%)

3 (15.8%)

16 (84.2%)

0.14

Arthrodesis after 1 year

No

Yes

1 (5.2%)

18 (94.8%)

0 (0%)

19 (100%)

1