P132. Comparison of two level circumferential fusion vs. ProDisc-L

Abstract

and 1.5 deg of intervertebral rotation at the fusion site. CONCLUSIONS: Flexion-extension studies of the spine are very common, and the associated annual healthcare expenditure is substantial. More importantly, the flexion-extension studies are presumably ordered to obtain important diagnostic information about abnormal intervertebral motion. Lastly, consistent agreement is important to be able to accurately report and compare research findings, and to develop effective treatment guidelines that use intervertebral motion assessments. The results of this study suggest that current, commonly used methods to clinically assess flexion-extension X-rays of the cervical spine do not provide reliable clinical information about intervertebral motion abnormalities. The current study further suggests that validated, computer-assisted methods to quantify intervertebral motion can dramatically improve agreement between observers when assessing flexion-extension X-rays of the cervical spine. DISCLOSURES: FDA device/drug: KIMAX QMA Image Analysis Software. Status: Approved for this indication. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Author (JH) Grant Research Support: NIH 2 R44 NS45493.