Success of intervertebral implants in posterior lumbar interbody fusion

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the result of using the three types of posterior lumbar interbody fusion [PLIF]; the tricortical iliac bone graft, the carbon cage and the carbon ramp in managing cases of lumbar instability to evaluate the success of intervertebral implants in PLIF. A prospective study was done on 72 patients with average age of 38 years [46 males and 26 females] with lumbar instability due to different pathologies [infections, tumors and acute fractures were not included]. Cases were studied in three equal groups, each of 24. In group A, PLIF was done using autologous tricortical iliac bone graft, carbon cages were used in group B and carbon ramps in group C. For all, one level PLIF was done and was supplemented with rigid posterior stabilizing device to provide a solid biomechanical construct. Cases were followed up for an average period of 24 months. The results were compared clinically and radiologically with reference to fusion rate, time, intervertebral disc height, neural foraminal dimensions and degenerative changes in adjacent discs and facets