Researchers evaluated registry data that had been obtained prospectively. For a study, they sought to determine how smoking affected functional results, satisfaction, and radiologic fusion in nondiabetic patients with minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spine disorders 2 years after surgery. Nondiabetic patients who underwent initial single-level minimally invasive TLIF in a single facility were studied using prospectively acquired registry data. Patients were divided into groups based on their smoking history. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale for back and leg pain, the Oswestry Disability Index, and the Short-Form 36 Physical and Mental Component Scores examined all patients before and after surgery. The North American Spine Society questionnaire was used to gauge satisfaction. The rates of radiographic fusion were compared. The study comprised a total of 187 individuals, 162 of whom were nonsmokers, and 25 of whom had a positive smoking history. Smoking history was insignificant in predicting minimal clinically meaningful difference achievement rates in Physical Component Score and fusion grading results in the multivariate study. Positive smoking history remained a significant predictor of satisfaction score (odds ratio=4.7, 95% CI: 1.10–20.09, P=0.036). After 2 years following single-level TLIF, nondiabetic patients with a positive smoking history had lower satisfaction levels but comparable functional outcomes and radiologic fusion. Patient satisfaction after minimally invasive spine surgery may be improved with thorough preoperative counseling and smoking cessation guidance.
