Changes of MRI in inter-spinal distraction fusion for lumbar degenerative disease: A retrospective analysis covering 3 years

Abstract Objective To assess the preoperative and postoperative changes in MRI image and the short-term efficacy of the ISDF with BacFuse covering 3 years. Methods 32 patients who underwent ISDF were involved in this retrospective study. The symptoms assessment including VAS, ODI, and SF-12 were evaluated preoperative and postoperative at 1 year and 3 years. The X-ray was used to measure posterior disk height (PDH), foramina height (FH), foramina width (FW), and MRI was taken to assess the cross-sectional area of dura sac (CSADS), cross-sectional area of canal (CSAC), herniated disc area, ligamentum flavum area. The preoperative ratio of herniated disc area and ligamentum flavum area to CSAC were compared with post-operative ratio. The modified Pfirrmann grade system was used to assess the surgical lumbar disc. Results The symptom indexes were significantly improved after surgery. PDH and FH increased significantly (P   0.05). CSADS and CSAC increased obviously (P  Conclusion ISDF with BacFuse could relieve clinical symptoms and expanse the spinal canal area in MRI. During 3-year observation, it could provide continuous traction and maintain the area of spinal canal, so as to partially retract the herniated disc and make it possible to repair the disc.