L4-5 FUSION VERSUS L4-5-S1 FUSION IN MANAGEMENT OF L4-5 INSTABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH L5-S1 DEGENERATED DISC

INTRODUCTIONLumbar spine fusion surgery, commonly referred to as lumbar fusion, is a surgical procedure designed to join, or "fuse," two or more vertebrae in the lower back. The fusion process mimics the natural healing process of broken bones, ultimately creating a single, solid bone structureThe primary goal of this surgery is to alleviate the patient's pain and improve the quality of life. This procedure is typically recommended when the source of pain is traced to the movement of specific spinal segments. This movement can be due to several conditions of spinal instability, such as degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, recurrent disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and fractures. AIM OF THE WORKThe aim of this study is to determine the predictive value of adding L5-S1 fusion in isolated L4-L5 instability associated with L5-S1 degenerated disc.PATIENTSThis study represents prospective and retrospective study of clinical and radiological outcomes in 60 patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of Alexandria Main University Hospital and operated for L4-L5 spondylolisthesis associated with L5-S1 degenerative disc disorders by Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) with pedicle screw fixation L4-L5 or L4-L5-S1. Approval of the Medical Ethics Committee of Alexandria Faculty of Medicine has been obtained. An informed written consent for study participation taken from every participant included in the study. Confidentiality and data security guaranteed throughout the research.