Lumbar and thoracic spinal fusion with transpedicular fixation (including a novel distraction and compression device). A preliminary report.

Experience with three different systems of transpedicular fixation in fusion of the lumbar and thoracic spine over 4 years is reported. The Roy-Camille plates, Louis plates, and the Balgrist turn-buckle arrangement are compared. The Balgrist device allows both extension and compression, and affords better stability. Far better clinical results were obtained with transpedicular fixation in general than with the Harrington method.