Pedicle Screws and Bone Mineral Density

Abstract

The use of decompression and pedicle screws for spinal canal stenosis due to degenerative lumbar disorders can be done safely with one-level fusion in patients with decreased bone mineral density if patients with grade III osteoporosis are excluded. Bone mineral density is more reliable than radiographic grading to evaluate the degree of osteoporosis and should be included in the preoperative evaluation of patients with osteoporosis.