J Korean Soc Spine Surg.  1998 Nov;5(2):284-292.

Results of PLIF using Laminar Chips in Spinal Lesions

• Shin BJ
• Kim GJ
• Kwon H
• Suh YS
• Kim YI
• Rah SK

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study analyzing the results of chip PLIF with pedicle screw instrumentation for various spinal lesions.
OBJECTIVES
To analyze the clinical and radiologic results of chip PLIF and to compare the amount of blood loss and transfusion and operation time with the ordinary PLIF. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: The ordinary PLIF has 86-95% of radiologic union rate and 80% of clinical satisfactory rate. The problems of ordinary PLIF were donor site morbidity, limited bone resources, prolonged operation time and excessive blood loss.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Forty patients were treated by chip PLIF utilizing cubical chip bone obtained from spinous process, facets and lamina from October 1995 to October 1997. Twenty-four patients, followed up over 12 months, were included in this study. Radiologic union, disc space collapse and change of kyphotic angle were assessed by simple X-ray and clinical results by improvement of back pain, radicular pain and change of neurological deficits. Twenty-nine patients treated by ordinary PLIF were compared concerning the operation time, amount of blood loss and transfusion.
RESULTS
The mean age was 51.5 years(27-68 years) and mean follow-up was 20.7 months(12-30 months). Complete radiologic union rate was 47.6%, which was lower than ordinary PLlf. Satisfactory clinical result rate was 79%, which was similar with other fusion methods. Operation time, amount of blood loss and transfusion were less than the ordinary PLIF. There were three complications that were one dural tear ailed two pedicle screw breakages.
CONCLUSION
There was no relationship between radiologic union rate and clinical satisfactory result after chip PLIF. Although operation time is relatively short and blood loss is less, it's not a good method to obtain nice bony union in spinal lesions.

MeSH Terms

Back Pain
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Tissue Donors