Asian Spine J.  2015 Oct;9(5):807-817. 10.4184/asj.2015.9.5.807.

Adjacent Segment Pathology after Lumbar Spinal Fusion

• Lee JC
• Choi SW

• KMID: 2148380
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2015.9.5.807

Abstract

One of the major clinical issues encountered after lumbar spinal fusion is the development of adjacent segment pathology (ASP) caused by increased mechanical stress at adjacent segments, and resulting in various radiographic changes and clinical symptoms. This condition may require surgical intervention. The incidence of ASP varies with both the definition and methodology adopted in individual studies; various risk factors for this condition have been identified, although a significant controversy still exists regarding their significance. Motion-preserving devices have been developed, and some studies have shown their efficacy of preventing ASP. Surgeons should be aware of the risk factors of ASP when planning a surgery, and accordingly counsel their patients preoperatively.

Keyword

Adjacent segment pathology; Adjacent segment disease; Lumbar spine; Spinal fusion

MeSH Terms

Humans
Incidence
Pathology*
Risk Factors
Spinal Fusion*
Stress, Mechanical
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