The Effect of Lordosis, Disc Height Change, Subsidence, and Transitional Segment on Stand-Alone Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using a Nontapered Threaded Device

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 37 consecu­tive patients who underwent stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for indications that included degen­erative disc disease, concordant pain on discography, disc space collapse of more than 50%, and failure of nonopera­tive management for at least 4 consecutive months.

Patient demographics, procedural data, and prospec­tive Short Form 36 General Health Survey composite scores were collected. Mean follow-up was 24.2 months.

In this cohort of patients with degenerative disc disease, there was no loosening or migration of implants. Stand-alone ALIF using a threaded interbody fusion device provided excellent clinical results and return-to-work rates with few complications. Increased lordosis was associated with increased subsidence and less favorable outcome. Patients with a transitional segment displayed relatively smaller increases in lordosis and better out­comes than patients without a transitional segment.