A Study of Anterior Spinal Fusion Using the A-O Screw for Lumbar Spinal Disorders

Abstract

Anterior spinal fusion is a useful method for lumbar spinal disorders even though the fusion rate is not particularly high. However it has been demonstrated that the fusion rate is greater than 98% when using the A-O screw and wiring method. We used this method for 12 cases. In our seres there were 4 cases with wire-loosening (28.6%), which can be dangerous for vessels as the wire edge is sharp. We Therefore investigated the possibility of using Tekimron thread as a substitute for the wire. In vitro, the inter-column pressure measured by pressure gauge showed that Tekmiron thread was as useful as the wire.