Objectives: To evaluate the effect of intervertebral carbon fiber cages in the treatment of degenerated lumbar disorders.
Methods: One hundred and twelve patients of degenerated lumbar disease were analyzed retrospectively with regard to the effect of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using intervertebral carbon fiber cage.
Results: In the 112 patients, disc height was 7 mm (3 to 11 mm) on average before operation and 11.2 mm (8 - 14 mm) after operation. Cobb angle was 32 degrees (21 degrees to 42 degrees ) on average before operation and 18.9 degrees (13 degrees to 21 degrees ) after operation. After follow-up for 7.8 months (4 to 13 months) on average, all operative disc spaces showed solid arthrodesis through X-ray images. Disc height was 10.9 mm (8 - 14 mm) on average, and Cobb angle was 18.5 degrees (13 degrees to 21 degrees ) on average. During the follow-up, endplate absorbing, pseudo-articulation, cage displacement, subsidence, and breaking were not found.
Conclusion: Implantation of intervertebral carbon fiber cages is an effective method for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Accurate indications and skilled techniques are required to avoid complication.