Clinical Efficacy of a Stand-Alone, Threaded-Titanium Fusion Cage for Single-Level Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Disorders

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic efficacy of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using a threaded fusion cage (TFC) alone with autogenous iliac corticocancellous bone graft for single-level degenerative lumbar spinal disorders. Materials and Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive patients receiving PLIF with TFC alone were evaluated with at least three years of follow-up. Clinical outcome and satisfaction were assessed using Ragab's measurements. Radiological outcomes were analyzed in terms of lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, disc height, and fusion rates. Results: Disc height was 6.18±2.54 mm, 11.71±1.60 mm and 9.94±1.94 mm on average for preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up, respectively. Lumbar lordosis was 27.46±11.47, 31.41±8.89 on average for preoperative and at final follow-up, respectively. Segmental lordosis was 11.51±9.35 preoperatively, and 10.86±7.49 at final follow-up. Satisfactory clinical outcome were obtained in 89.2% of patients with successful bone fusion in 73.0% of patients. Conclusion: Stand alone TFC is an effective treatment modality in maintenance of disc height and lumbar lordosis, with satisfactory long term clinical outcomes in the treatment of single-level degenerative lumbar spinal disorders.