title: Outcome of a posterior spinal fusion technique using spinous process wire and vertical strut.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Spinal fusion is a rapidly developing area of spine surgery. Many of the implants often used are not within the reach of the patients in the developing world. In this study, we describe the outcome of a novel technique of posterior spinal fusion using the rush nail and spinous process wire.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively evaluated patients who underwent the technique since October 2006. We reviewed the patients' biodata, clinical diagnosis, imaging studies, indications for surgery, type of operations, and complications related to the implants and the technique. Clinical test of instability was also determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The technique was used in 11 female and 19 male patients. The age range was 11-82 years. The indication for surgery was trauma in 15 patients, degenerative disease in seven patients, tuberculosis of the spine in four patients, and four patients had neoplasms. Occipitocervical fusion was performed in three patients, cervical fusion in six patients, thoracic fusion in 10 patients, thoracolumbar fusion in seven patients, lumbar fusion in three patients, and lumbosacral fusion in one patient. The distal segment of the implant backed out in one patient following fracture of the spinal process. The implant was eventually removed. Clinical evidence of instability necessitating external orthotics was also seen in one patient. Two patients had wound infection. These were managed without removing the implants. We did not observe significant complications in other patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique appears safe and effective in carefully selected cases. The technique needs further evaluation in a larger patient population and with a longer duration of follow-up.
authors: Department of Surgery, Division of Neurological Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
authors: Augustine A
authors: AA
authors: Adeolu
authors: Edward O
authors: EO
authors: Komolafe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult