Is Fusion Indicated for Lumbar Spinal Disorders?

Abstract

Definitive indications for spinal fusions are trauma, tumor and infection, iatrogenic instability, or ischemic spondylolisthesis. Relative indications for fusions are degenerative spondylolisthesis, abnormal movement visualized on dynamic films with appropriate pain or neurologic deficit, and mechanical pain. Lumbar fusion is rarely indicated for routine discectomy, abnormal results of radiography without appropriate clinical findings, or stable spinal stenosis.