title: Luque instrumentation in degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine.
abstract: The authors report on the experience obtained in using L-rods and sublaminar wires in obtaining lower lumbar fusions of three or more levels in degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine. A successful fusion was obtained in 86% of the patients. The technique, while offering a satisfactory method of fusion, does violate the spinal canal with sublaminar wires with potential for neurologic injury. Specifically, the passage of sacral wires should be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Combined Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Toronto General/Mount Sinai Hospitals, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Kostuik
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Errico
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Gleason
mesh_terms: D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013997:Time Factors