Results after anterior-posterior lumbar spinal fusion: 2-5 years follow-up.

Between 1991 and 1998, we treated 72 patients with fusion of the lumbar spine using posterior pedicle screw fixation followed by anterior retroperitoneal insertion of a titanium cage filled with autogenous bone graft. All patients had chronic low back pain after failed conservative treatment. We were able to review 54 patients with a mean follow-up of 51 (24-97) months. The mean Oswestry low back pain disability score improved from 56.8 preoperative to postoperative 29.8 and 31.2 at follow-up (p<0.05). The mean visual analog pain intensity scale improved from 8.3 to 4.0 postoperative and 4.8 at follow-up (p<0.05). The results demonstrate that circumferential lumbar fusion can be an option for the treatment of chronic low back pain.