Trailblazing: the historical development of the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF)

Abstract

Today, the posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), and related methods of fusion, represent the gold standard in spinal arthrodesis. However, despite the PLIF being first performed in the 1940s, its reputation was marked by animosity for the next fifty years. Only due to the extraordinary talent and perseverance from a small group of pioneers, was the operation eventually appreciated to be an ideal fusion technique. This process of popularization has assisted the surgical community to better recognize the complexities of spinal biomechanics and has encouraged the momentum of success in modern spinal surgery. Neither the complete origins of the technique, nor the remarkable story of its propagation, have previously been reported.

Keywords: Controversy; History; Innovation; Instrumentation; PLIF; Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion; Spinal Fusion; Surgery.