[Retrospective study of application of interspinous implants for degenerative lumbar diseases].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the indications, efficacy and safety of applying interspinous implants for degenerative lumbar diseases.


METHODS
From September 2007 to September 2008, 68 cases with degenerative lumbar diseases were treated with interspinous implants. The clinical outcome was assessed by VAS of pain in back and lower extremities, lumbar JOA score and Prolo functional score; the radiological results including implant position, segmental lodosis and segment movement degree were assessed by lumbar X ray including dynamic post-operative versus pre-operative X ray.


RESULTS
Sixty-four cases had a complete follow-up and the average time was 11.4 months. At the final follow up, lumbar VAS 1.7 +/- 1.5, lower extremity VAS 1.3 +/- 1.0, lumbar JOA score 23.5 +/- 3.1 and Prolo functional score 8.6 +/- 1.4. They were better than those at pre-operation (1.7 +/- 1.5, 1.3 +/- 1.0, 23.5 +/- 3.1, 8.6 +/- 1.4). Segment lodosis angle (15.4 +/- 4.2) degrees was less than (19.6 +/- 4.7) degrees at pre-operation; segment movement degree was (10.3 +/- 4.5) degrees . Two cases with lumbar disc herniation relapsed and received a second operation.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of interspinous implants for degenerative lumbar diseases is still in its infancy and the selection of indication is very important. Its efficacy and safety have been confirmed by a short follow-up.
Li
Chun-de
CD
Department of Orthopedics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China. lichunde@medmail.com.cn
Sun
Hao-lin
HL
Liu
Xian-yi
XY
Lin
Jing-rong
JR
Yi
Xiao-dong
XD
Liu
Hong
H
Lu
Hai-lin
HL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012189:Retrospective Studies