Posterior lumbar fusion by peek rods in degenerative spine: preliminary report on 30 cases.

PURPOSE: Pre-curved peek rods to support posterior lumbar fusion have been available in the market since 4 years. Potential advantages using this new technology are increased load sharing on the anterior column promoting interbody fusion, reduced stress on bone-screw interface decreasing the rate of screw mobilization and, in the long term, reduced incidence of adjacent level disc degeneration.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed 30 cases in which posterior fusion was supported by peek rods, analyzing early complications, rate of fusion and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

At an average follow-up of 18 months, both clinical and radiographic results were satisfactory with only one case requiring surgical revision for a mechanical complication.

CONCLUSIONS

The semi-rigid systems can now be considered a viable option in the lumbar degenerative disease, although clinical evaluations are necessary in the longer term.