Posterior lumbar interbody fusion - A retrospective study of complicationsafter facet joint excision and pedicle screw fixation in 148 cases

We retrospectively evaluated neurological and other complications related t o posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) performed by facet joint excisio n and pedicle screw fixation, in 148 consecutive patients with degenerative disorders. Their mean age at surgery was 59 (19-80) years. The mean follow -up period was 3 (2-6.5) years, Overall, 91 complications in 75 cases were observed. Although no permanent neural damage was detected, transient neura l palsy occurred in 8% of the cases. Dural tear, partial misplacement, loos ening, breakage of the pedicle screw and loss of correction were seen in 6, 6, 4, 1 and 1 of the cases, respectively. Deep infection of the fused segm ent developed in 2 cases. We conclude that PLIF, performed by facet joint e xcision and pedicle screw fixation, demonstrated a very low incidence of os teosynthesis failure, such as screw loosening, breakage and loss of correct ion. However, the high incidence of other complications, particularly neuro logical impairment, is still a disadvantage of this technically-demanding p rocedure.