Internal fixation with Knodt's rods.
Knodt's rods are an effective distraction internal fixator for promoting fusion for lumbar spine surgery. The chief disadvantage in 92 cases was a removal rate of about one third. The 93% fusion rate, and instant mobilization of the patient are reasonable trade-offs for the disadvantages of a second operation for removal of the rods.
D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods