Dr Vijidha Rajkumar from O Spine shares research on prone lateral interbody fusion outcomes at the 2025 AANS Boston meeting, advancing spine surgery knowledge.
O Spine is proud to recognise the recent achievement of Vijidha Shree Rajkumar, who presented her latest research at the prestigious 2025 American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston.
Vijidha, who works across O Spine, Sydney Adventist Hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery, and the University of Sydney’s Department of Medicine & Health, showcased her cohort study titled “Left vs Right-sided Approach for Prone Lateral Interbody Fusion in a Cohort Study of 146 Consecutive Patients.” This important research contributes to the evolving understanding of spinal fusion techniques and surgical decision-making.
The study examined 146 consecutive patients undergoing prone lateral interbody fusion, a procedure designed to reconstruct the anterior column of the spine through a single-position retroperitoneal transpsoas approach. While this technique can be performed from either the left or right side, there has been limited data directly comparing outcomes between the two.
Vijidha’s work compared operative findings, neuromonitoring alerts, blood loss, and complication rates between left-sided and right-sided approaches:
Complication rates were low across both groups, with rare occurrences of periprosthetic infection, malposition, and anterior longitudinal ligament release. Notably, the study identified only a single instance of residual psoas symptoms in the left-sided approach group at three months post-surgery.
Historically, the left-sided approach has been favoured for this technique, but Vijidha’s findings contribute to a growing body of evidence supporting the versatility and safety of right-sided access. This research offers valuable insights for spine surgeons considering approach strategies for prone lateral interbody fusion and challenges the assumption that left-sided access must always be preferred.
Under the supervision of Professor Brian Owler, Vijidha’s research strengthens Australia’s growing contribution to spinal surgery innovation, particularly in the area of prone transpsoas fusion. It follows on from recent publications co-authored by Vijidha and Professor Owler, helping to inform surgical best practice both locally and internationally.
At O Spine, we are committed to advancing spinal health through innovation, collaboration, and research. Vijidha’s achievements reflect this commitment, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work on the future of spinal surgery.