Lumbar Mobility as a Predictor of Post-Arthrodesis Alignment via Posterior Approach

Abstract

Objective: To predict lumbar spine flexibility by analyzing the difference in lumbar lordosis between orthostatic and supine positions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing interbody fusion and posterior fixation surgery between 2013 and 2019 due to degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine. All patients were over 18 years old, and preand post-operative weight-bearing X-rays and pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging were obtained. The difference between lumbar lordosis in standing X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging was calculated as lordosis delta and compared to post-operative radiographic outcomes. Results: The study involved 49 patients, with the most approached level being L4-L5 (49.0%). The Roussouly type 3 of lumbar lordosis was the most common (53.1%). Disc degeneration syndrome (DDS) was the predominant diagnosis (83.7%). The Pearson correlation between lordosis delta and post-operative lumbar lordosis was significantly positive. Conclusion: This study establishes a correlation between lumbar lordosis delta and post-operative radiographic outcomes, suggesting its utility in the pre-operative assessment of lumbar spine flexibility. Level of Evidence IV; Retrospective Observational Study.