Comparison of influence between fusion and non-fusion for lumbar in adjacent stages of degeneration

Objective To compare the influence between fusion (PLIF) and non-fusion (lumbar pedicle screws combined with elastic rod fixation) for lumbar in adjacent stages of degeneration.Methods From June 2009 to October 2012,a total of 30 patients with lumbar degenerative disease were treated.The patients in fusion group were treated by PLIF (n =16),and those in non-fusion group were treated by lumbar pedicle screws combined with elastic rod fixation (n =14).During a follow-up period of 2 to 3 years,magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) re-examination was done to observe degeneration in adjacent stages.Results Woodend indexes (L5/S1) before and after surgery in fusion group and non-fusion group had no statistically significant difference (P ＞ 0.05) ; Woodend indexes (L3/L4) before,and 12 months and 24 months after surgery in fusion group and non-fusion group had no statistically significant difference (P ＞0.05),but there was significant difference between fusion group (1.45 ± 0.04) and non-fusion group (1.14 ± 0.03) 36 months after surgery (P ＜ 0.05).At the same time,there was significant difference before and 36 months after operation in fusion group.Conclusion The surgery of non-fusion can less affect the lumbar activity in different stages,to a certain extent slowed down the degeneration of adjacent stages. Key words: Lumbar degeneration ;  Fusion