Pseudarthrosis of the Lumbar Spine

Pseudarthrosis can be a costly and disabling complication of lumbar spinal fusion. This review focuses on the incidence, causation, diagnosis, and nonoperative management of this condition, as well as surgical approaches that can be effective in treating carefully selected patients. Judicious initial selection of patients for fusion and the use of meticulous surgical technique in the first operation continue to be the best means of prevention.