Abstract: Objective To investigate the influence of age on the perioperative characteristics of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). Methods 129 patients (25~91 years old) with spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis and/or disc degeneration/herniation with instability,or unsuccessful results after a failed previous PLIF. They were divided into control group (<65 years old, n=85) and experimental group (<65 years old, n=44). The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, the number of fusion segments, estimated blood loss and hospital stay were observed. Results The ASA score was higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in complications, estimated blood loss and operative time (P>0.05) between 2 groups. Conclusion Age can not increase the rate of perioperative complications of PLIF, and the advanced age should not be surgical contraindication.

Key words: posterior lumbar interbody fusion, postoperative complication, blood loss, age