Threaded fusion cages for lumbar interbody fusions

Objective:To evaluate the safety,fusion success rate,surgical approach,indications,and clinical outcome of threaded fusion cages(TFC) for lumbar interbody fusions.Method:Lumbar interbody fusions with threaded fusion cages were performed in 48 patients with chronic low back pain.Among them,22 cases received additional posterior fixation instrumens.Threaded fusion cage implantation of one or two levels were undertaken through posterior approach in 44 cases,anterior approach in 3 cases,and anterolateral approach in 1 case.Result:After follow up for 6～21 months,preoperative symptoms of all the 48 patients were significantly improved.The results showed that the clinical effective rate and satisfactory rate was 100% and 92%(79.5% excellent,12.5% good),respectively.47 of the 48 patients achieved successful fusion and the bone union rate was 98%.One patient was complicated with infection of the surgical wound and two with a transient dysfunction of peripheral nerves.Conclusion:The threaded fusion cage implantation has been found to be an effective,reliable,rapid,safe procedure for lumbar interbody fusions.The results of our practice demonstrated it produced a high fusion rate and clinical success with rare,serious,or permanent complication.