Lumbar and lumbosacral fusion using Steffee instrumentation.

Posterior and posterolateral spinal fusion with the Steffee variable plating system have been performed on 176 patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center since November 1985. This report covers the authors' early experience using the Steffee device on 39 patients. All of the 39 patients (100%) were available for a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Complications occurred in 26% of the patients. Radiographic pseudarthrosis occurred in 8% of the patients. The findings suggest that lumbar and lumbosacral fusion supplemented with Steffee plate instrumentation are associated with a low incidence of pseudarthrosis and acceptable morbidity overall.