RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results and to compare the results of posterolateral lumbar fusion in rheumatic and non-rheumatic disease. METHODS: A retrospective review of results was carried out in 20 patients who had posterolateral lumbar fusion with rheumatic disease from Jul. 1996 to Aug. 2002. And same cases of non-rheumatic disease were compared. The diagnosis of rheumatic disease was confirmed by the ARA revised criteria. Bony union was evaluated by Lenke's criteria and the clinical results by Katz's satisfaction degree. Statistical analysis was performed by paired T-test and ANOVA test. RESULTS: In rheumatic disease group, there were 7 males and 13 females. Mean age was 56.6 (20~68) years and mean fused segments were 2.7 (1~7). Mean follow-up period was 41 months (12~80) after surgery. In non-rheumatic group, there was 6 males and 14 females. Mean age was 57.1 (35~71) years and mean fusion segments were 2.9 (1~4), Mean follow-up period was 40.2 (12~88) months. In age and fusion segments between two group, there was no statistical difference. In rheumatic disease group, the diagnosis were rheumatoid arthritis in 18 patients, ankylosing spondylitis in 1, and systemic lupus erythematosus in 1 patient. The other operations for combined disease were 8 total knee arthroplasty and 3 total hip arthroplasty. There were no statistical differences in operation time (p=0.527), perioperative bleeding (p=0.653) and postoperative (p=0.830) bleeding between two group. In radiological bony union, all patients of two groups showed A and B grade by Lenke's criteria. Bony union was complete at 5.5 (5~8), 5.1 (4~7) months after surgery. There was no significant difference in clinical satisfaction (p=0.756). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in clinical and radiological results between the rheumatic and non-rheumatic patients with disease of the lumbar spine.