[Posterior lumbar intersomatic fusion]

Since late 1992 we started performing posterior lumbar interbody fusions together with pedicular screws and intertransverse fusion. Later on we decided to use posterior lumbar interbody fusions with titanium cages and autologous bone. We are presenting our results with a group of 52 patients with 6 months to 4 and a half years of follow-up. We have used the Prolo Functional Economic Outcome Rating Scale to evaluate our results, obtaining a high percentage (92%) of satisfactory results. The fusion's percentage was also very high, although we express the difficulty to evaluate the fusion grade considering the X-ray artifact produced by the cages. We conclude that PLIF with cages it is a surgical procedure with a high rate of success if we establish clearly the clinical criteria for its application and perform correctly the surgical technique.