Anterior lumbar vertebral translation following translaminar screw fixation. A report of five cases.
Translaminar screw fixation is a good procedure for posterolateral spinal fusion of one or two motion segments. Anterior translation of the upper fused vertebra occurred in 5 of our patients following this procedure. A further fusion with pedicle screw fixation was needed in 2 of them. This complication has been previously reported after decompression operations on the lumbar spine. Translaminar screwing produces slight posterior distraction which pushes forward the upper vertebra. This procedure should be avoided in cases with even minimal anterior translation before operation. Translaminar screw fixation is an ideal technique for fusion of a degenerated segment when the upper vertebra has slipped posteriorly.
Plötz
G M
GM
Spine Unit, Schulthess Klinik, Zürich, Switzerland.
Benini
A
A
D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001863:Bone Screws; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*