title: Fate of osteophytes and sclerosis in fused segments after lumbar fusion.
abstract: METHODS
  Retrospective cohort study.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the fate of sclerosis and anterior osteophytes in the fused segments after instrumented lumbar fusion for degenerative lumbar disorders.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Sclerosis and osteophytosis are well-known radiographical findings, but little is known of their significance with regard to spontaneous resorption after spine fusion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients (9 males, 21 females; 60 vertebra; mean age of 66.9 yr [45-86 yr]) were divided into a posterolateral fusion group (n = 14, 28 vertebrae) and a posterior lumbar interbody fusion group (n = 16, 32 vertebrae). Using serial radiographs obtained preoperatively; postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months; and last follow-up, sclerotic areas of each involved vertebra were mapped and osteophyte lengths were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sclerosis and osteophytes decreased with time for the instrumented fusion. The decrease in sclerotic areas and osteophytes length was observed as early as 3 months postoperatively, and the significant changes between each time point were noted in initial 3- and 6-month intervals. In terms of the type of surgery, similar changes were noted in the posterolateral fusion and posterior lumbar interbody fusion groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Resorption of osteophytes and sclerosis after instrumented spine fusion were observed. Significant resorption was noted at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. As well, most graft bone would be incorporated in postoperative 6 months. Resorption of osteophytes and sclerosis after instrumented spine fusion could be helpful to confirm the successful union.
  
  
  METHODS
  4.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Kee-Yong
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Ha
authors.forename: Jan Noel
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Molon
authors.forename: Joo-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Young-Hoon
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054850:Osteophyte / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011184:Postoperative Period; D057234:Preoperative Period; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012598:Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors