Spine. 2009 May 1; 34(10): E351-8Suratwala SJ, Pinto MR, Gilbert TJ, Winter RB, Wroblewski JMSTUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center, multisurgeon, retrospective study of radiologic and functional outcome measures at a minimum 2-year follow-up. OBJECTIVE: We studied the radiologic and functional outcomes following 3 or more motion segment fusions of the lumbar spine for low back pain due to multilevel degenerative disc disease. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Good functional outcomes have been reported for 1 or 2-level fusions, but there are no reports dealing specifically with 3 or more level fusions. METHODS: A total of 80 adult patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of multilevel (3 or more motion segments) 360 degrees fusion for lumbar degenerative disc disease, failed nonoperative treatment for at least 1 year, no previous lumbar fusion, no fracture, tumor or infection of the spine, completed preoperative and postoperative functional questionnaires including SF-36 (n = 80), Oswestry (n = 69), Roland Morris (n = 68), and radiologic evaluation of fusion solidity with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. RESULTS: The average patient age was 57 years (range, 27-81). The mean follow-up was 4 years (2-7). On average, patients had fusion of 4 motion segments (range, 3-8 levels). Solid arthrodesis at the first surgery was achieved in 65/80 (81%). Adjacent segment degeneration was noted in 11 patients. Of these, 5 had undergone an extension of their fusion within the study period. There were no deaths or neurologic complications. Deep wound infection occurred in 2 patients, neither requiring implant removal. The Oswestry Disability Index scores improved from 49.8 to 35.1 (29.5%) (P < 0.001). The Roland Morris scores improved from 17.6 to 12.2 (30.7%) (P < 0.001). For the SF-36 scales, significant (P < 0.001) improvement was seen in all scales except Role Emotional scores and Mental Composite Scales. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease by 360 degrees fusion should be considered for properly selected patients. The goal of surgery is reduction, not elimination of disability.
