[Personal experience using the Cloward dorsal intercorporal spondylodesis].

We herewith report on our experience with dorsal, intercorporal fusion of the lumbar spine, according to Cloward, that has been performed on twenty-five cases from 1974 to 1980. The most suitable indication for this procedure has proved to be acute herniated disc, and spinal stenosis, whereas less favourable results have been obtained in cases with spondylolisthesis and spondylitis. In ten cases a pseudarthrosis developed. The report discusses whether the period of postoperative immobilisation by means of a plaster bed or plaster cast, or other factors such as a well vascularised graft substrate, or intercorporal compression, are of prime importance in affecting successful fusion. The method is still employed but now only in combination with stabilising metallic implants.