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In this preliminary study, authors describe their experiences with revision of the cup and with that of the femoral stem. Former has been performed by them since 1993 39 times on 37 patients, the latter 3 times on 3 patients. The method was successful in most of the cases; the anatomical integrity was preserved and stability was satisfactory.

In the present study comparative evaluation has been carried out between the groups of patients (31 in each group, private and National Health Service) treated by posterolateral lumbar spine fusion for mechanical lower back pain. The same surgical team was involved in the treatment. The patients were evaluated independently at an average follow-up of more than three years in each group. The acceptable clinical results (good and fair) showed a remarkable difference between the two groups, with the private group enjoying the better outcome. The difference of final outcome was analyzed by looking at the waiting time for surgery, the social classification of the patients and the provision of state benefit for disability.