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[Anterior lumbar intercorporal spondylodesis. Radiological and functional therapeutic results].

Authors :
Christensen FB
Nielsen BK
Hansen ES
Pilgaard S
Bünger CE
Source :
Ugeskrift for laeger [Ugeskr Laeger] 1994 Sep 12; Vol. 156 (37), pp. 5285-9.
Publication Year :
1994

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to identify risk factors in relation to non-union following lumbar intercorporal spondylodesis and to correlate this result with the functional outcome as assessed by the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ). This comprises questions concerning daily activities, work-leisure activities, anxiety-depression and social interest, measured on visual analog scales. During the period 1979-87 a total of 132 patients were operated with spondylodesis, diagnosed as suffering from spondylolisthesis or disc degeneration. Minimal follow-up was one year. Radiological graft incorporation was complete in 52% of the cases, partial in 24% and lacking in 24%. The rate of functional outcome follow-up was 72%. Seventy percent claimed an improvement in three out of four categories. Thirty percent claimed no improvement or worsened condition. The DPQ showed signs of poor prognosis for age groups above 45 (p < 0.04) and those with former spine surgery (p < 0.02). The questionnaire showed significantly better results for the group with perfect or doubtful union compared to the group with non-union (p < 0.006). In conclusion this investigation demonstrates a success rate of 70% for anterior lumbar interbody fusion. There is a tendency to poorer prognosis for patients with previous spine surgery and age above 45 years. The Dallas Pain Questionnaire correlates significantly to X-ray analysis and seems to be a useful tool for the description of individual biopsychosocial changes following spine surgery.

Details

Language :
Danish
ISSN :
0041-5782
Volume :
156
Issue :
37
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Ugeskrift for laeger
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
7941067