Results after anterior-posterior lumbar spinal fusion: 2-5 years follow-up.
Between 1991 and 1998, we treated 72 patients with fusion of the lumbar spine using posterior pedicle screw fixation followed by anterior retroperitoneal insertion of a titanium cage filled with autogenous bone graft. All patients had chronic low back pain after failed conservative treatment. We were able to review 54 patients with a mean follow-up of 51 (24-97) months. The mean Oswestry low back pain disability score improved from 56.8 preoperative to postoperative 29.8 and 31.2 at follow-up (p<0.05). The mean visual analog pain intensity scale improved from 8.3 to 4.0 postoperative and 4.8 at follow-up (p<0.05). The results demonstrate that circumferential lumbar fusion can be an option for the treatment of chronic low back pain.
Niemeyer
Thomas
T
Spine Service, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. thomas.niemeyer@med.uni-tuebingen.de
Bövingloh
Albert Schulze
AS
Halm
Henry
H
Liljenqvist
Ulf
U
D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome