OBJECTIVETo estimate the effects of the treatment of 360 degrees fixation of lumbar spine.

METHODSTwenty-five cases were operated to 360 degrees fixation of lumbar spine from May 2002 to May 2005. There were 11 male and 14 female, the age ranging from 45 to 67 years, mean 56, including 16 cases of spondylolysis, 7 cases of lumbar spinal instability and 2 cases of degenerative disc undergone with anterior laparoscopic lumbar interbody fusion with syncage and autograft and posterior decompression with facet fixation. The chief complains were low back pain and radiating to lag. Fourteen cases were fused at L(4), 5 and 11 cases at L(5)-S(1). The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were recorded to evaluate the function at pro-operation, the second week, the third, sixth and twelfth month post-operation. The X-ray was taken to observe the fusion and the sinking cage.

RESULTSThe time intro-operation was from 110 to 180 minutes, mean 120 minutes. There was one complication in 1 case by the main vein injury. All of the 25 cases were followed-up post-operation from 12 to 35 months, mean 22.3 months. The ODI was found prominent difference compared with pro-operation in 2 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months post-operation (P < 0.05). Twenty-five cases were fused in the third month. Two cases sank 1 mm in the third month images but solid fusion. No cage displacement was found. No retrograde ejaculation happened.

CONCLUSIONS360 degrees fixation of lumbar spine adapts to deal with lumbar instability, degenerative disc disease and I, II degree spondylolysis. It shows less bleeding and injury, but during exposure and traction the main vessels should be very careful.