Posterior intertransverse fusion assessed clinically and with biplanar radiography

Biplanar radiography was used to assess bony union after intertransverse fusion. The patients were assessed clinically and the fusion status was compared with the clinical result. Posterolateral intertransverse fusion was shown to be capable of fusing the motion segment almost completely. However, the strictly measured fusion rate was only 27%, but this increased to 91% when partial fusions were included. The fusion rate from conventional plain films assessed by the radiologist was 82%, which is similar to other reports. On clinical examination, a satisfactory result was obtained in 82%, but there was no clear correlation with fusion status.