The body of literature supports fusion surgery as a viable treatment option for reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic LBP refractory to nonsurgical care when a diagnosis of disc degeneration can be made.
We were able to establish a predominant diagnosis in 94% of our patients. Foraminal stenosis remains the leading cause of FBSS, but painful discs are also common. Recurrent disc herniation is seen less often than in the past, and there is increased recognition of neuropathic pain. Knowledge of the potential causes of FBSS leads to a more efficient and cost-effective evaluation of these patients.
Circumferential lumbar fusion is a useful procedure for a patient with difficult reconstructive disease. There is a very high fusion rate. Overall, 62% of patients are satisfied with the result, especially those with a diagnosis of pseudarthrosis or spondylolisthesis with stenosis. Patients who are working before surgery and patients who are not injured workers also tended to progress well.
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