OBJECTIVE: Determine if the minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approach for lumbar fusion in a determined level can reduce structural changes in the multifidus muscle, such as decrease their cross-sectional area and pathologic fatty degeneration, compared to a conventional open approach. METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2010 27 patients undergoing surgical procedure and arthrodesis MIS were evaluated. Open MRI was performed in the postoperative period, between 12 and 36 months after surgery, with visualization of the multifidus muscle for its study. RESULTS: All patients were operated on a level of arthrodesis using the open technique and MIS. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were found regarding the age and sex with the area and tropism of multifidus muscle on both sides.
Arthrodesis; Lumbar vertebrae; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive
