[Monosegmental anterior lumbar interbody fusion with the SynFix-LR™ device. A prospective 2-year follow-up study].
BACKGROUND
With anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) alone, the morbidity associated with a posterior approach can be avoided. In this study we evaluated the use of a PEEK cage with an integrated angle-stable locking plate (SynFix-LR™).


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with osteochondrosis at L4/5 or L5/S1 were treated with the SynFix-LR™. Follow-up at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24 months included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), and questions regarding satisfaction and use of pain medication. The fusion rate was assessed by X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examination.


RESULTS
A significant reduction of the ODI and VAS was achieved (p<0.05) with a high rate of patient satisfaction. After 2 years, 79% of the patients were able to dispense with long-term use of analgesics. We observed a fusion rate of 93% (X-ray) and 70% (CT) at final follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
The SynFix-LR™ device is a suitable option for the treatment of monosegmental osteochondrosis at L4/5 and L5/S1 with comparable or superior results in comparison to posterior or combined fusion techniques.
Hoff
E
E
Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Klinik für Orthopädie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin. eike.hoff@charite.de
Strube
P
P
Gross
C
C
Hartwig
T
T
Putzier
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055034:Osteochondrosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
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