Abstract
Introduction
Retrospective clinico-radiological evaluation of 200 patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF) using unilateral single cage filled with local morselized Bone graft for degenerative lumbar disc.
Material and Methods
200 patients who underwent PLIF with a unilateral single cage filled with local morselized bone graft of which 182 patients were single level and 18 patients two levels, during the year, january 2010 to january 2015 were enrolled in this study. The average follow-up duration was 2years. The clinical outcomes were evaluated with, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index at the pre-operative period, and Oswestry Disability Index at 1month, 3 months, 6 months, 12months and 24 months year post-operative period. The radiological outcomes were evaluated according to bone fusion and bony bridging, the radiolucency, the instablity and the disc height.
Results
Clinical outcome for pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index along with functional evaluation showed excellent results and radiological outcomes were evaluated according to bone fusion, disc height, instability and bony bridge, showing no cage back out or implant loosening or screw back out or implant breakage.
Conclusion
PLIF using a unilateral single cage filled with a local morselized bone graft was found to be good and has the advantages of a shorter operation time, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay, low cost, less complications like dural tear, as compared with the PLIF using bilateral cages, for treating degenerative lumbar spine disease. This technique also provides excellent outcomes according to the clinical and radiological evaluation.