Wire fixation or pedicle screw fixation for an unstable lumbarspine: A com comparative study

Abstract

We have investigated the results from the operative treatment performed for an unstable lumbar spine in 48 cases. During the past six years-from 1992-1997-we performed wire fixation for 24patients (11 male and 13 female, with a mean age at operation 53.4 years) and pedicle screw fixation for 24 patients (9 male and 15 female, with a mean age at operation 57.1 years) alternately. Between these two groups, there was no difference in the resulting%slip, slip-angle, rate of bone fusion or in rate of instrument failure. In those with lumbar spondylolisthesis, the operative results were good or excellent in 8 (64.3%) of the 14 patients who received wire fixation, and in 13 (76.5%) of 17 patients who received pedicle screw fixation. In those with lumbar canal stenosis, there was no difference in the result. In conclusion, between wire fixation and pedicle screw fixation, there was no difference the resulting for an unstable lumbar spine.