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

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. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and related fusion methods have become the gold standard in spinal fusion surgeries. Despite its initial performance in the 1940s, it took fifty years for the operation to be widely appreciated, thanks to the extraordinary talent and perseverance of a small group of pioneers. The process of popularization has led to a better understanding of spinal biomechanics among surgeons and contributed to the success of modern spinal surgery.