Objective  To analyze the effect of extralateral approach interbody fusion in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases.

  Methods  A total of 50 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases admitted to our hospital were selected, and were treated with extralateral approach interbody fusion, and the therapeutic effect was observed and analyzed.

  Results  All patients successfully completed the operation. The average amount of bleeding during operation was(145.5±4.7)mL, the average operation time was(56.3±2.2)min, and the average hospitalization time was(7.2±1.5) days. Four patients suffered from hip flexion weakness after operation, and the symptoms recovered completely after two months. Six patients suffered from sensory numbness in front of thighs after operation, and the symptoms disappeared or relieved after 6 to 8 weeks. No complications such as abdominal organs and blood vessels injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, mislocation of intervertebral space, paralytic intestinal obstruction and permanent injury of genitofemoral nerve occurred. All patients were followed up for 24 months. The results showed that at the last follow-up, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of low back pain and lower limb pain were significantly lower, and the lumbar spine scores of Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) were significantly higher than before operation (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Extralateral approach interbody fusion can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, with fewer complications and higher fusion rate.