ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical effect of anterior interbody fusion using a horizontal cylinder cage in a degenerative lumbar spine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 16 patients (at 20 levels) who received anterior interbody fusion using a horizontal cylinder cage in a degenerative lumbar spine or in secondary segmental lumbar instability following decompression at the same level from May 1997 to May 1998. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs were taken to compare the posterior disc height, neuroforaminal area, and the neuroforaminal volume. Fusion rates and clinical results were also reviewed. RESULTS: Posterior disc height (mm), neuroforaminal area (mm2) and neuroforaminal volume (mm3) were increased and maintained during the follow-up period. Radiological fusion was noted in 17 levels (85%) at a postoperative 1 year. Satisfactory clinical results were also obtained in 17 levels (85%). CONCLUSION: Anterior interbody fusion using a horizontal cylinder cage might be an effective method in the surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spine or secondary segmental lumbar instability.
