Use of Combined Corpodesis Technique in Degenerative Lumbar Spine Diseases

Efficacy of combined anterior corpodesis method elaborated by the authors (100 patients - main group) versus routine anterior corpodesis (98 patients - control group) in degenerative lumbar spine diseases has been analyzed. Combined method includes the use of selective approach to every spine segment and insertion of combined (intercorporal and interbody) autografts. Application of selective approach significantly decreases the operative trauma. Intercorporal insertion of autograft accelerates bone ingrowth, provides spine canal unloading, and excludes autograft migration. Additional interbody insertion of autograft strengthen fixation. In main group mean duration of bed rest was 7 days, in control group - 28 days, mean duration of hospital treatment was 14 and 56 days, respectively. Mean duration of working capacity restoration was 4-8 and 10-12 months, respectively. In main group the rate of complications was twice lower and hypostatic complications occurred rarely as compared to the control group. In main group good results were achieved 64%, satisfactory - 27%, unsatisfactory - 9%, in control group - 49, 38 and 13%, respectively.

lumbar spine, degenerative disease, instability, combined corporodesis