Comparison of early curative effectiveness between two non-fusion and internal fixation treatments for lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion

Objective To compare the early curative effectiveness between two non-fusion and internal fixation treatments (lumbar pedicle screws combined with elastic rod fixation treatment vs.interspinous dynamic internal fixation with Coflex treatment) for lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.Methods From March 2011to March 2012,there were 22 patients diagnosed as having single segmental lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (L4/5) in the hospital,and subjected to lumbar non-fusion fixation operation.All patients were followed up for 3 to 13 months (mean 6.87 ± 3.25 months).Early clinical efficacy was evaluated before and after operation respectively by the JOA score and ODI index.Operative time and bleeding loss were compared between the two treatments.Results The JOA score in two groups was significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05) after the operation (pre-operation:10.10 ± 4.78,10.70:5.21 ; postoperation:25.00 ± 2.65,24.70 ± 3.04),and ODI index was significantly decreased (pre-operation:25.30 ± 8.82,24.80 ± 7.93 ; postoperation:3.40 ± 2.74,3.30 ± 2.68).There was significant difference in the curative effectiveness between two groups (P ＞ 0.05).Operative time and bleeding loss showed statistically significant difference between two groups (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Interspinous dynamic intemal fixation with Coflex treatment has shorter operative time,and less bleeding loss during operation.Both treatments can retain a certain degree of lumbar spine mobility,improve clinical symptoms,and obtain satisfactory curative effectiveness,but there is no significant difference in early curative effectiveness between them. Key words: Lumbar;  Internal fixation;  Lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion