Lumbosacral fusion using the Boucher technique in combination with a posterolateral bone graft

This study evaluates the clinical and radiological results of using the facet screw fixation technique described by Boucher in combination with a posterolateral fusion rather than a posterior fusion for symptomatic degenerative disease of the lumbosacral junction. It is a retrospective review of 38 consecutive patients with an average follow-up of 28 months. Radiologically, all patients had a solid fusion. Clinically, 23 patients (60%) had excellent results, 11 patients (29%) good results, 3 patients (8%) fair results and 1 patient (3%) had a poor result. There were no neurological complications. The findings support the view that the Boucher technique of facet joint fixation in combination with a posterolateral fusion is a safe and effective method of dealing with chronic symptoms relating to degenerative changes at the lumbosacral junction. The authors stress the importance of patient selection and attention to operative technique if the clinical results are to correlate with the results of fusion.