[Anterior lumbar intercorporal spondylodesis. Radiological and functional therapeutic results]

The purpose of this investigation was to identify risk factors in relation to non-union following lumbar intercorporal spondylodesis and to correlate this result with the functional outcome as assessed by the Dallas Pain Questionnaire (DPQ). This comprises questions concerning daily activities, work-leisure activities, anxiety-depression and social interest, measured on visual analog scales. During the period 1979-87 a total of 132 patients were operated with spondylodesis, diagnosed as suffering from spondylolisthesis or disc degeneration. Minimal follow-up was one year. Radiological graft incorporation was complete in 52% of the cases, partial in 24% and lacking in 24%. The rate of functional outcome follow-up was 72%. Seventy percent claimed an improvement in three out of four categories. Thirty percent claimed no improvement or worsened condition. The DPQ showed signs of poor prognosis for age groups above 45 (p < 0.04) and those with former spine surgery (p < 0.02). The questionnaire showed significantly better results for the group with perfect or doubtful union compared to the group with non-union (p < 0.006). In conclusion this investigation demonstrates a success rate of 70% for anterior lumbar interbody fusion. There is a tendency to poorer prognosis for patients with previous spine surgery and age above 45 years. The Dallas Pain Questionnaire correlates significantly to X-ray analysis and seems to be a useful tool for the description of individual biopsychosocial changes following spine surgery.