The clinical outcomes of a novel PEEK rod semi-rigid fixation system in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease

English Keywords:Lumbar vertebrae  Degenerative disease  PEEK rod  Titanium rod  Interbody fusion.

English Abstract:

  【Abstract】 Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of polyetheretherketone(PEEK) rod semi-rigid fixation system in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2012, 51 cases with lumbar degenerative disease were randomized into two groups: PEEK rod group(24 cases) and titanium alloy rod group(27 cases). The posterior lumbar interbody fusion with pedicle screw fixation was performed on all patients. The VAS scores of back pain and leg pain, and the ODI scores of leg pain were evaluated. The spine fusion was assessed according to the modified Brantigan grade. Results: All patients were followed up. Compared with the preoperation, significant differences were detected in the VAS scores and ODI scores of back pain and leg pain at the differrent postoperative time points between two groups (P<0.01). The VAS scores of back pain(1.9±0.4) in the PEEK rod group were lower than those of the control group (2.1±0.4)(P<0.05). At the latest follow-up, no significant difference was detected between two groups on leg pain VAS score and ODI score. According to the modified Brantigan grade, at 3 months after operation, the fusion rate in the PEEK rod group(83.3%, 20 cases) was higher than that in the titanium rod group(55.6%, 15 cases)(P<0.05). At 6 months after operation, the fusion rate in the PEEK rod group(91.7%, 22 cases) was still higher than that in the control group(81.5%, 22 cases)(P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, there was no significant difference in fusion rate between two groups(P>0.05). Conclusions: The semi-rigid lumbar fixation system(PEEK rod) can achieved satisfied clinical outcomes in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease. Compared with traditional titanium rod fixation system, it has lower back pain. But the long-term outcomes need to be further studied.