1996 Volume 45 Issue 1 Pages 25-28
We retrospectively analyzed the incidence and variety of associated complications in 54 patients who underwent lumber spinal fusion using transpedicular screw fixation systems. The average operative time was 3 hours 28 minutes with an average blood loss of 376 grams for one level fusion. Intraoperatively fracture of the pedicle during screw insertion occurred in 5.6% of cases. The neural infury rate was 3.7%. Post operative complications included 7.7% screw breakage, 1.9% AW-GC spacer breakage, 1.9% nut loosening and 9.6% screw loosening. Final results included 9.6% pseudoarthrosis and 9.6% delayed union. In all of these unsuccessful union cases the graft bone collapsed and the “disc height” became narrow in the post operative period. We believe that the AW-GC spacer offers mechanical advantages compared with iliac bone strut grafts alone.
