Posterior circumferential fusion for severe lumbar stenosis of the elderly / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To evaluate the application and effectiveness of circumferential fusion for the treatment of severe lumbar stenosis of the elderly.[Method]Eighty-three elderly patients with severe lumbar stenosis were treated with circumferential fusion through one-stage posterior approach(PLIF+PLF)from November 2001 to May 2004 at author's department.Postoperative complications were observed.All patients were followed-up for 24~42 months.JOA scoring system was used to evaluate the operative outcome.Plain radiographs and CT were used to judge fusion status.[Result]All patients were able to ambulate 12~14 days after operation.Symptomatic deep venous thrombosis(DVT)happened in three patients.Ten patients had worsening pain in the back and lower extremities temporarily.At final follow-up,low back pain was relieved significantly.JOA scores improved from(13.6?3.8)points before surgery to(22.3?4.6)points.Bone fusion was achieved in all operated intervertebral spaces.[Conclusion]Posterior circumferential fusion is one of safe,effective and reasonable treatment choises for elderly patients with severe lumbar stenosis.