Anterior spinal fusion or deranged lumbar intervertebral disc

Ninety-seven patients who underwent anterior interbody fusion for lumbar disc derangement were examined two to 15 years after the operation. Complete relief of back pain was obtained in 60% and of sciatica in 85%; marked improvement of back pain was obtained in 29% and of sciatica in 10%. The fusion rate was 63% and was only slightly correlated with symptomatic improvement. Many complications were encountered, most of which were transient.