Adjacent instability after instrumented lumbar fusion.

Abstract

The invention of pedicle screw instrumentation has greatly improved outcomes of spinal fusion, which has become the treatment of choice for lumbar spondylolisthesis. As researchers accumulate experience, both theoretical and clinical advances are continually being reported. A review of the literature and the experience of the authors show that the development of adjacent instability, as in the breakdown of a neighboring unfixed motion segment, is a common consequence of an instrumented lumbar spine. This article reviews the risk factors and surgical treatment of adjacent instability. The authors believe that proper preoperative planning and complete surgical procedures are imperative to prevent adjacent instability. For those who need revision surgery, meticulous surgical techniques can achieve satisfactory results.

• Authors: Wen-Jer Chen, Po-Liang Lai, Lih-Huei Chen
• Journal: Chang Gung medical journal (Chang Gung Med J) Vol. 26 Issue 11 Pg. 792-8 (Nov 2003) ISSN: 2072-0939 [Print] China (Republic : 1949- )
• PMID: 14765748 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Bone Screws
• Humans
• Joint Instability (etiology, surgery)
• Lumbar Vertebrae (surgery)
• Postoperative Complications
• Risk Factors
• Spinal Diseases (etiology, surgery)
• Spinal Fusion (instrumentation)
• Treatment Outcome