Surgical Interbody Research Group--radiographic assessment of interbody fusion devices: fusion criteria for anterior lumbar interbody surgery.

The authors present their radiographic criteria for assessing fusion of the lumbar spine after anterior interbody fusion with intradiscal implants. These criteria include the assessment of plain radiographs, dynamic motion radiographs, and thin-cut computerized tomography scans. Fusion within the instrumented spinal motion segment can be determined using radiographic evaluation to assess spinal alignment on sequential examinations, angular and translational changes on dynamic motion studies, and device-host interface, and to identify new bone formation and bone remodeling. Finally, to aid the clinician in assessing fusion, the authors describe the five zones of fusion within the intervertebral disc space.

[1]  L. Boyd,et al.  Imaging Pitfalls of Interbody Spinal Implants , 2000, Spine.

[2]  P. McAfee.  Interbody fusion cages in reconstructive operations on the spine. , 1999, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[3]  C. Wimmer,et al.  Autogenic versus allogenic bone grafts in anterior lumbar interbody fusion. , 1999, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[4]  B. Weiner,et al.  Erratum: 'Spine update: Lumbar interbody cages' (Spine (1998) 23 (634- 640)) , 1998 .

[5]  S. L. Griffith,et al.  The Bagby and Kuslich Method of Lumbar Interbody Fusion: History, Techniques, and 2‐Year Follow‐up Results of a United States Prospective, Multicenter Trial , 1998, Spine.

[6]  B. Weiner,et al.  Lumbar Interbody Cages , 1998, Spine.

[7]  D. Siambanes,et al.  Comparison of plain radiographs and CT scans in instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion. , 1998, Orthopedics.

[8]  W. J. Daum,et al.  Evaluation of Lumbar Spine Fusion: Plain Radiographs Versus Direct Surgical Exploration and Observation , 1995, Spine.

[9]  B. J. Doherty,et al.  Interspace distraction and graft subsidence after anterior lumbar fusion with femoral strut allograft. , 1993, Spine.

[10]  R. Watkins.  Anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgical complications. , 1992, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[11]  H K Genant,et al.  The postoperative spine. Magnetic resonance imaging. , 1990, The Orthopedic clinics of North America.

[12]  R. Watkins,et al.  Comparison of Disc Space Heights after Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion , 1989, Spine.

[13]  W. Glenn,et al.  CT evaluation of interbody fusion. , 1985, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[14]  Crock Hv.  Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: indications for its use and notes on surgical technique. , 1982 .

[15]  M. Pearcy,et al.  Assessment of bony union after interbody fusion of the lumbar spine using a biplanar radiographic technique. , 1982, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume.

[16]  J. C. Flynn,et al.  Anterior fusion of the lumbar spine. End-result study with long-term follow-up. , 1979, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[17]  J W Frymoyer,et al.  A Comparison of Radiographic Findings in Fusion and Nonfusion Patients Ten or More Years Following Lumbar Disc Surgery , 1979, Spine.

[18]  K. Sørensen.  Anterior interbody lumbar spine fusion for incapacitating disc degeneration and spondylolisthesis. , 1978, Acta orthopaedica Scandinavica.

[19]  K. Hannon,et al.  Failure of Technetium Bone Scanning to Detect Pseudarthroses in Spinal Fusion for Scoliosis , 1977, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[20]  R. Bright,et al.  Technetium-99m phosphate bone imaging: a method for assessing bone graft healing. , 1974, Radiology.

[21]  S. Sacks.  Anterior Interbody Fusion of the Lumbar Spine Indications and Results in 200 Cases , 1966, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[22]  J. Lane,et al.  TRANSPERITONEAL APPROACH TO THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC IN THE.LUMBAR AREA , 1948, Annals of surgery.

[23]  C. D. Ray.  Threaded fusion cages for lumbar interbody fusions. An economic comparison with 360 degrees fusions. , 1997, Spine.

[24]  H. V. Crock.  Anterior lumbar interbody fusion: indications for its use and notes on surgical technique. , 1982, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.

[25]  P. Harmon.  Anterior excision and vertebral body fusion operation for intervertebral disk syndromes of the lower lumbar spine: three-to five-year results in 244 cases. , 1963, Clinical orthopaedics and related research.