The results of 150 anterior lumbar interbody fusion operations performed by two surgeons in Australia.

The work of two Australian surgeons using the same techniques for anterior lumbar interbody fusion operations in 150 patients has been analyzed by an independent observer (A.F.). Used as a primary procedure in 84 cases, only four patients failed to return to work. Time off work varied between 3.3 to 11.8 months, depending on the patients' occupations. Used as a salvage procedure in 38 cases, only five patients failed to return to work. Time off work varied between 24 and 5.6 months depending on the patients' occupations. In 28 cases, supplementary operations were performed following interbody fusions. Even in this difficult group only nine patients failed to return to work.