Instrumented posterior interbody fusion in degenerative and multioperated lumbar spine

Abstract Lumbar interbody fusion
is a valid technique for the treatment
of disc diseases. We report a
series of 37 patients who underwent
posterior lumbar interbody fusion
with titanium cylindric screwingexpansion
cages. Clinical outcomes
and radiological results were evaluated
3 years after surgery. After
surgery, the majority of patients
returned to their normal activities.
Follow-up plain roentgenograms
showed no loss of disc height and
no signs of implant looseness.
Computed tomography (CT)
showed the presence of mineralized
autologous bone grafts inside the
interbody cages. Expandable interbody
cages allow the restoration of
disc space height, giving support to
the anterior column, opening the
neuroforaminal area and providing
increased stability. The interpretation
of fusion on the basis of
roentgenograms is difficult; CT
offers more information than radiography
about the fusion process,
but a bony arthrodesis cannot be
demonstrated with certainty.