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  • Title: The radiological outcome of lumbar spinal fusion using a South African-developed dynamic spinal fixation system.
    Author: du Toit G, Vlok G.
    Journal: S Afr Med J; 2002 Oct; 92(10):821-5. PubMed ID: 12432809.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVES: To investigate the radiological outcome of the use of a new Cape Town-developed spinal fixation system. DESIGN: One hundred and fifty-five patients underwent posterior lumbar spinal fusions with this fixation system and autogenous bone graft more than a year ago. Of these 121 were available for radiological follow-up. SETTING: Spinal pedicle fixation systems are in common use in spinal fusion surgery. Most systems use rigid screws with a high rate of implant failure. In South Africa most spinal implants are imported and expensive, and this prompted the development of a locally manufactured dynamic spinal fixation system with the aim of producing a cheaper and more effective system with a lower risk of implant failure. OUTCOME MEASURES: A visual assessment of 1-year post-surgery radiographs by a qualified independent observer looking particularly at the rate of fusion and the incidence of implant failure. RESULTS: Bone fusion rates were comparable to all other pedicle fixation systems but implant failure rates were considerably less than in systems using rigid screws and more comparable to a similar dynamic spinal fixation system. CONCLUSIONS: This spinal fixation system is safe and effective in aiding bone fusion. It has a low rate of implant failure and is currently cheaper than all imported spinal fixation systems. It has therefore achieved the objectives that prompted its inception.
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