Mobilization range of the vertebral bodies after treatment of lumbar instability with titanium-coated fusion cage / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) has been an effective method for treating the instability of the lumbar spine.OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes in mobilization range after treatment of lumbar segmental instability with titanium-coated fusion cages (Prospace).DESIGN: A before-and-after controlled observational trial based on the patients.SETTING: Orthopedic department of a university-affiliated hospital.PARTICIPANTS: Totally 16 patients with lumbar instability(4 males and 12 females aged 37 to 68 years with the average age of 51.6 years) were treated by posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) using titanium-coated cage from December 2002 to. December 2003. There were 4 cases of disc herniation, 6 lumbar spinal stenosis, 3 degenerative spondylolisthesis and 3 isthmic spondylolisthesis, among which 5 cases were spondylolisthesis Ⅰ and one spondylolisthesis Ⅱ.METHODS: All the cases received PLIF. In each case, double cages were inserted with the postlateral bone graft and pedicle screw systems were supplemented. The radiology and clinical effects before and after operation were compared.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① The average height of disc space and foramina and mobilization range of the vertebral bodies before and after operation; ② The Oswestry Disability Index score.RESULTS: All the cases were followed up for 6 to 16 months with an average of 12 months. The total fusion rate was 100%, and the postoperative height of disc space and foramina recovered satisfactorily. The Qswestry Disability Index score was 44. 2 ± 3.9 before operation and 25.5 ± 3.6 after operation with a significant difference. The rate of excellent and good curative effects was 93.8%.CONCLUSION: The titanium-coated cage used in PLIF to treat lumbar instability can achieve good immediate stability after operation.