RESUMEN
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors affecting metal failure and screw loosening of short-segmental (1- or 2-segmental) monoaxial or polyaxial screw fixation for degenerative lumbar disease. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: There was a report on metal failure and screw loosening in short-segmental monoaxial and polyaxial screw fixation in degenerative lumbar disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study examined 227 cases who underwent short-segmental transpedicular screw fixation and vertebral fusion for a degenerative lumbar. RESULTS: Metal failure of transpedicular screws was detected in 6 cases, 3 each in groups A and B. Screw loosening occurred in 16 and 43 cases in group A and B, respectively. Both groups had a similar incidence of spinal stenosis with instability and spondylolisthesis. The failure rate and screw loosening according to the fusion level was also similar. The failure and screw loosening rates was higher in the cases who did not undergo PLIF than in the cases who underwent PLIF but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The metal failure and screw loosening rates after transpedicular screw fixation and spinal fusion procedures for degenerative lumbar diseases using monoaxial screws and polyaxial screws were similar.