Knodt rod fusion of the lumbar spine.

Thirty-six patients were examined at least 2 years after they underwent Knodt rod distraction fusion of the lumbar spine. Thirty-two patients had a satisfactory clinical result and 23 patients had a solid bone fusion. Six patients had significant complications. It is concluded that Knodt rod distraction fusion is a useful salvage procedure after failed anterior spinal fusion and as a primary procedure in spondylolisthesis.