Hybrid lumbar fusion : a clinical and radiological review at 2 years

Abstract EN

We report on our first 20 patients treated with hybrid lower lumbar stabilization, in which one or more segments were treated with caged interbody fusion by PLIF tech¬-nique and one or more adjacent segments were stabilized using GRAF instrumentation.

The indications for indications fusion included spondy lolysis ; previous f ailed disc surgery, and primary discopa-thy with positive discography and / or active modic signal on MRI.

The indication for flexible stabilization of adjacent seg¬ments was for disc degeneration on MRI scanning with or without evidence of posterior annular tear.

This was a prospective study with clinical evaluation using VAS pain scales and Oswestry disability score.

All patients were reviewed by an independent consultant radi¬ologist to assess integrity of the implant after two years and underwent CT scanning to assess progression of the caged fusion.

There were no instances of failed fusion in this group and no cases of implant failure.