Posterolateral fusion of the lumbar and lumbosacral spine--a review of long term results.
1. Long-term results of posterolateral lumbar and lumbosacral spinal fusion were evaluated in 40 patients who had been treated by this technique 10 years or more (mean: 14 years and 6 months). 2. In the clinical evaluation employing the criteria for assessment by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA score), the total score averaged 24.2 points. The roentgenographically assessed bone union rate was 93.2%. At the site of operation, the angular displacement was within 5 degrees and the horizontal displacement ranged from 0.7% to 1.4%. Thus, a long-term stability was confirmed. 3. Although age-related problems such as osteoporosis remain unsolved, the long-term results were so good that this technique can be recommended as a salvage operation in patients with an unstable spine or those requiring decompression from the posterior approach.
Tajima
N
N
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan.
Kawano
K
K
Sera
K
K
Taguchi
A
A
Torigoshi
T
T
Konishi
H
H
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion