Evidence Based Medicine Review of Posterior Thoracolumbar Minimally Invasive Technology.

BACKGROUND: Evaluate the current evidence in meta-analyses on posterior thoracolumbar minimally invasive surgery techniques and outcomes for degenerative conditions. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature from 1950 to 2015. RESULTS: The review of the literature yielded 34 meta-analysis studies evaluating posterior thoracolumbar minimally invasive techniques and outcomes for degenerative conditions. There were 11 studies included which investigated minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open posterior lumbar decompressions. There were 14 studies included which investigated MIS versus open posterior lumbar interbody fusions. Finally, there were 9 studies focused on navigation techniques and radiation safety within MIS procedures. CONCLUSIONS: There are 34 meta-analysis studies evaluating minimally invasive to open thoracolumbar surgery for degenerative disease. The studies show a trend toward decreased estimated blood loss, decreased length of stay, decreased complications, similar fusion rates, improved accuracy, and decreased radiation when minimally invasive techniques are used.