Spinal instrumentation for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine

Instrumentation for spinal implant is currently changing more rapidly than at any previous period in its 100-year history. At present, the most common indication for spinal instrumentation is degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, which can be roughly categorized as of three kinds: herniated lumbar disks, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. The literature on indications for arthrodesis is reviewed. A brief summary of the approach and type of instrumentation available for the lumbar spine is presented.