Translaminar facet joint screws to enhance segmental fusion of the lumbar spine.

From 1984 to 1988, 70 consecutive lumbar and lumbosacral spine fusions enhanced with translaminar facet joint screws were performed for segmental degenerative disease. Twenty patients had partial decompression of central stenosis, 15 concomitant discectomy, and 19 lateral nerve root decompression. The mean time to fusion was 4.5 months (range 2-7 months). At followup (average 45 months; range 24-74 months) 98.5% were judged to have solid fusion. Satisfactory results were observed in 84% of cases, 91% without previous surgery and 75% after previous discectomy. Supplementation of posterolateral fusion by translaminar facet screws significantly improved time to fusion, fusion rate, and clinical outcomes with no significant increased complications.