Instrumentation and fusion for discogenic disease of the lumbosacral spine.

A classification of lumbosacral discogenic pain is presented. Focus is placed on the pathophysiology, radiographic and clinical criteria, and role of fusion on the treatment of degenerative disc disease and segmental instability. Adjuncts, determinants, and techniques of fusion are discussed. Instrumentation systems, most applicable to the lumbosacral spine, are reviewed.