Abstract: Objective To evaluate the efficacy of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion combining contralateral percutaneous pedicle screw for degenerative lumbar disc herniation by Wiltse approach. Methods We studied 40 patients affected by lumbar disc herniation underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion combining contralateral percutaneous pedicle screw ifxation by Wiltse approach in our hospital from June 2009 until December 2012 retrospectively. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were carried out preoperatively and following surgery. Clinical outcome was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale scores (VAS) and The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Results The average follow-up time was fourteen months, the average blood loss was three hundreds twenty-six milliliter, the difference of postoperative VAS score and JOA score comparing with preoperative was statistically significant(P<0.01). All screws showed very good position by photos. Bone fusion was considered as solid in forty patients at postoperative 12 months (100%). Conclusion Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using percutaneous pedicle screw ifxation by Wiltse approach is a valid and safe treatment of degenerative lumbar disc herniation.

Key words: Wiltse approach, minimally invasive fusion, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion