Between 2001 and 2005, 43 patients (average age 54.2, range 36-68 years) with recurrent lumbar disc herniation underwent reoperation with the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) technique at our unit. All cases were followed up for 24-72 months (mean 45 months) and graded using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score system pre-and post-operation and during the follow-up period. The leg pain of all patients was relieved significantly within one month postoperatively. The mean JOA score was improved from 9.3 before surgery to 25.0 at the final follow-up visit (P<0.0001). The average recovery rate was 86.0% (range 52-100%). General clinical outcome was excellent in 23 (53.5%) patients, good in 14 (32.6%) and fair in 6 (13.9%). The fusion rate was 100% two years postoperatively. Three patients (7%) had transient neurological deficits, which resolved completely within 3 months. There were no major complications. We, therefore, believe the TLIF technique to be an effective procedure with satisfactory clinical results for the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation.Résumé Entre 2001 et 2005, 43 patients (âge moyen 54,2 ans entre 36 à 68 ans) ont bénéficié d'une réintervention chirurgicale avec arthrodèse inter corporéale par technique transforaminale pour récidive de hernie discale lombaire. Tous ces patients ont été suivis en moyenne pendant 45 mois et évalués selon le score de la JOA en pré et post opératoire. Les douleurs des membres de tous ces patients ont été nettement améliorées dans le premier mois post opératoire. Le score de la JOA a été également améliorée de 9,3 avant l'intervention à 25 lors de la dernière revue de ces malades (P<0,0001). Le taux moyen de récupération a été de 86% (52 à 100%). L'évolution clinique générale a été excellente chez 23 patients (53,5%), bonne chez 14 patients (32,6%) et médiocre chez 6 patients (13,9%). Le taux de fusion a été de 100% en post opératoire. 3 patients (7%) ont eu des troubles neurologiques transitoires qui ont complète-ment régressé dans les trois mois. Il n'y a pas eu de complications majeures. L'étude technique TLIF est une technique efficace qui nous donne satisfaction dans le traitement des récidives de hernies discales lombaires.

Segmental pedicle screw fixation is rapidly becoming a popular method of spinal instrumentation. Few studies have investigated the rates of adjacent superior segment facet joint violation. The purpose of our study were to investigate the incidence of superior segment facet joint violation after pedicle screw instrumentation in the lumbar spine and to evaluate technical factors related to the incidence. A prospective study including 96 patients who underwent lumbar and lumbosacral fusion was conducted between March 2006 and December 2007. All patients had bilateral or unilateral posterior pedicle screw-rod instrumentation with either CD-Horizon (top-loading screw) or TSRH (side-connecting screw) implants. Pedicle screws were instrumented according to the methods advocated by Roy-Camille (Group 1, 20 cases) or Weinstein (Group 2, 76 cases). All patients had computed tomography scan at 1 week post operation. CT scans were reviewed blind by an experienced spine research fellow and a consultant radiologist to determine violation of the adjacent superior segment facet joint. Superior segment facet joint violation occurred in all of the 20 patients (100%) and all of the top-level screws (100%) in Group 1. The spinal research fellow noted the incidence of facet joint violation to be present in 23.8% of the screws and 32.9% of the patients in Group 2, whereas the consultant radiologist noted this to be the case in 25.2 and 35.5%, respectively. The incidence of facet joint violation in patients with CD-Horizon screws was far lower than patients with TSRH screws (P < 0.001). In conclusion, it seems that meticulous surgical dissection without injuring the top-level facet joints, proper instrumentation of pedicle screws with the appropriate entry site (Weinstein's method), trajectory, and use of top-loading screw heads are some ways that surgeons could minimize the risk of top-level facet joint violation.

Between 1999 and 2004, 28 patients (average age: 41, range: 18-70 years) with unstable hangman's fracture underwent anterior discectomy and fusion with internal fixation at our unit. According to the LevineEdwards classification, all cases were unstable with type II