LAPAROSCOPIC BONE DOWEL FUSIONS OF THE LUMBAR SPINE

Studies that show laparoscopic lumbar fusion to decrease cost or time of hospitalization or to increase the speed or incidence of return to activities are not currently available. Laparoscopic fusion of the lum bar spine appears to be a potentially attractive approach to treating axial back pain secondary to different causes. Although the technique is attractive because of its minimally invasive nature and marketing a llure, it has yet to be established as to what the true clinical effic acy of this procedure will be. Further clinical study of these techniq ues with longer follow-up, and case-controlled studies should help cli nicians to know the best fusion technique to offer patients.