title: The role of external spinal skeletal fixation in the assessment of low-back disorders.
abstract: A variety of tests are currently used in an attempt to predict pain relief following arthrodesis of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine. External spinal skeletal fixation provides a means by which specific spinal motion units can be rigidly immobilized. A trial of temporary external fixation was investigated for its value in predicting the outcome of surgical fusion. Thirty-five patients with chronic low-back pain have been prospectively studied. The results show a statistically significant superiority of temporary external spinal fixation in predicting surgical result as compared with plain radiographs, discograms and facet blocks.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors: S I
authors: SI
authors: Esses
authors: D J
authors: DJ
authors: Botsford
authors: J P
authors: JP
authors: Kostuik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D001858:Bone Nails; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010166:Palliative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery