Journal of spinal disorders & techniques
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Feb 2002
Multicenter StudyPersistent low back pain and sciatica in the United States: treatment outcomes.
Patients with persistent low back pain (LBP) appear to be different in several important ways from patients who have traditionally been classified as patients with acute or chronic LBP, and data on the effectiveness of the treatments prescribed for them are lacking. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of the treatments currently prescribed for these patients. The data reported in this article were gathered as part of a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional study of patients who were treated for persistent LBP by neurologic and orthopedic surgeons who are recognized specialists in spinal disorders. ⋯ The outcome of surgery for persistent LBP varied from dramatic for one subgroup of surgical patients, to poor for another subgroup of patients. Patients who were selected immediately for surgical treatment improved substantially. Those treated surgically later by study physicians or by physicians not associated with the study fared less well.
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J Spinal Disord Tech · Feb 2002
Unilateral transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF): indications, technique, and 2-year results.
A prospective analysis of consecutive cases of lumbar fusion using the unilateral transforaminal posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique with pedicle screw fixation. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcome of TLIF and describe the technique and indications in the treatment of degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. Forty patients treated with TLIF for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine were followed up for a minimum of 2.5 years (mean: 36 months; range: 30-42 months). ⋯ Thirty-six (90%) had solid fusions radiographically at latest follow-up. Seventy-nine percent had excellent or good clinical outcomes. Our patients demonstrated high fusion rates and patient satisfaction.