Abstract
L5-S1 interbody fusion is a successful technique for treating patients with isolated degenerative disc disease. Traditionally through an open technique, the anterior laparoscopic approach for this was first described in 1991.
The purpose of this study was to review the long-term outcome results of L5-S1 interbody spinal fusion, using an anterior endoscopic technique, performed on patients with isolated degenerative L5-S1 disc disease. The first 41 spinal fusions performed by the senior authors were analysed. Patients received clinical, functional and radiological review by an independent assessor.
Clinical outcomes were excellent with > 90% of patients having significant improvement in back assessment scores (Fraser and Greenough, Japanese Orthopaedic Association). There were no intraoperative complications, no vascular complications, and no reports of retrograde ejaculation.
The anterior endoscopic approach for L5-S1 inter-body fusion results in good clinical outcomes, with a very low rate of morbidity. Surgical recovery time is quicker compared to open techniques, however, two skilled surgeons and an increase in theatre resources is required.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
