Posterior lumbar interbody fusion and plates

Abstract

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is accepted by many authors as the surgical treatment for herniated discs, degenerative disc conditions, and Grades I and II spondylolistheses. PLIF is now used in conjunction with newly developed segmental spine plates by using transpedicular screw fixation to enhance the osteosynthesis and success rate of interbody fusion. To date, 104 fusions have been performed in 67 patients with no dislocations of any interbody grafts and no indication of absorption, pseudoarthrosis, or infections.