Case Report

Posterolateral Spine Fusion With and Without Nerve Root Decompression A Primary Procedure for Low Back Pain

Authors: RAE R. JACOBS MD, ELWYN A. SAUNDERS MD, PETER E. SABATELLE MD

Abstract

Abstract:Fifty-six patients with low back pain, 38 of whom had irritationof the nerve root, were all treated by primary posterolateral fusion of the spine. Those with neurologic and/or myelographic deficits had nerve root decompression. Thirty of the 38 patients treated by nerve root decompression and primary posterolateral fusion had a successful clinical result. Seventeen of 18 patients treated by primary posterolateral fusion alone had a successful clinical result. Six patients demonstrated pseudarthrosis, and seven other patients showed encroachment of the fusion mass on the facet joints proximally.

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References