ABSTRACT
[Objective]To modify posterior lumbar interbody fusion for improvement of convenient manipulation and safety in the operation,and solid fusion. [Methods]After total decompression of the spinal nerve through posterior medline approach,discectomy of the slipping segment was performed with a circular saw with diameter of 1.0 centmeter.Under direct visualization through the hole of the circular saw,the disc tissue including cartilage of upper and lower end plates was removed with a long handle curette.After pedicle screw and rod system was placed,a bone block harvested from the posterosuperior iliac with a circular saw with diameter of 1.2 centmeter was implanted into the intervertebral space.Then compression of the intervertebral space to catch the bone lock firmly was conducted by regulating and fixing the the pedicle screw and rod system.[Results]Forty-eight patients in this report were followed up from 6 to 24 months.Based on JOA low back pain score,there were 36 patients was in excellent result,8 in good and 4 in fair,the satisfactory rate was 91.67% and effective rate was 100%.[Conclusion]Using circular saws in posterior lumbar interbody fusion has advantagas of good visualization profit removing disc tissue,preventing neurovascular injuries,and making good bone grafting bed.Convenient and secure bone harvesting decrease blood loss,time consume during the operation and prevent donor site complication.Futhermore,follow up results of the patients in this report demonstrate that posterior interbody fusion with circular saw for treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis have satisfactory outcome and high fusion rate.