[Memory spondylodesis of the lumbar spine--results following 76 operations].

It is reported on the results of the memory-spondylodesises that have been performed in Lübeck between 1982 and 1988 (= ventral intercorporeal lumbar spondylodesis with a nickeltitanium implant). Operative technique is characterized by primary stabilisation of the moving segment by means of a memory-implant that is inserted intercorporeally following ventral removal of the intervertebral disc, after heating up to 45 degrees C the implant is getting higher and thus stably anchored between the vertebral bodies. Spongious bone chips are put inside and around the implant. Mobilisation of the patients takes place within the first week. Out of 76 segments operated on bony fusion so far occurred in 51 cases (within an average postoperative period of 9 months), pseudarthrosis developed in 1 case. In 11 cases delayed bony fusion can be expected, 13 operations have been performed within the past 5 months and thus cannot be interpreted now. In consideration of the easier operative technique, earlier mobilisation of the patients and a fusion rate of more than 90% memory-spondylodesis seems to show important advantages over transplantation of bone chips only.