Long-term Follow-up Evaluation of Screw-and-graft Fusion of the Lumbar Spine

The long-term results of 134 screw-and-graft fusions of the lumbar spine for treatment of chronic low-back pain with or without acute sciatic nerve symptoms were observed for over 16 years. Clinically, the results were excellent or good in 80% of patients at a mean review interval of nine years. There were no differences in success rates between single-level L4/5 and lumbosacral fusion or two-level fusions. Ninety-seven percent of patients returned to their previous occupation within six months. Screw-and-graft fusion is recommended as an effective method of treatment in management of selected cases of intractable low back pain.