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Lumbar and lumbosacral fusion using Steffee instrumentation
H T Temple1, R W Kruse, B E van Dam
1Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Spine
|March 1, 1994
Summary
The Steffee variable plating system for spinal fusion showed a low rate of pseudarthrosis (8%) and acceptable complications in early use. This study highlights its effectiveness for lumbar and lumbosacral fusion procedures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Fusion Techniques
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Posterior and posterolateral spinal fusion are common procedures for various spinal conditions.
- The Steffee variable plating system is an instrumentation used to supplement spinal fusion.
- Evaluating early clinical outcomes and complications is crucial for adopting new surgical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the early experience and outcomes of using the Steffee variable plating system for spinal fusion.
- To assess the incidence of complications and radiographic pseudarthrosis in patients undergoing fusion with this device.
- To determine the overall morbidity associated with Steffee plate-augmented spinal fusions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 39 patients who underwent posterior/posterolateral spinal fusion with Steffee plates.
- Minimum follow-up of 2 years for all included patients.
- Analysis of complication rates and radiographic evidence of pseudarthrosis.
Main Results:
- All 39 patients (100%) completed the minimum 2-year follow-up.
- A complication rate of 26% was observed among the patients.
- Radiographic pseudarthrosis was identified in 8% of the patients.
Conclusions:
- Spinal fusion supplemented with Steffee plate instrumentation is associated with a low incidence of pseudarthrosis.
- The Steffee variable plating system demonstrates acceptable overall morbidity for lumbar and lumbosacral fusion.
- Early experience suggests the Steffee device is a viable option for augmenting spinal fusion surgeries.