Object: Lumbar Fusion is a successful operative possibility to treat lumbar degenerative diseases. The literature describes fusion rates of 90%. This study investigated the rates of lumbar fusion in two different segments in the lower spine. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who were treated by transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) from 2009-2012 in the orthopaedic and trauma surgery at St. Marienkrankenhaus hospital in Ludwigshafen. The fusion rate of 48 Segments and

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... he correlation between fusion und segment were radiographically examined. The clinical outcome was measured from 39 patients by VAS and ODI and was compared with the fusion rate. Results: The fusion rate in L3/4 was 33,3% and in L4/5 15,2%. There was no correlation between fusion and segment. The clinical evaluation showed an average improvement in VAS of 4,5. The ODI showed an average improvement of 31,1%. There was a significant difference between preoperative VAS and ODI to follow-up. The clinical outcome compared to the fusion showed no significant deviation. Conclusion: This study didn't find a difference between the fusion rates in L3/4 or L4/5. The pseudarthrosis rate was very high, but good clinical outcomes could be observed so it seems that stable pseudarthrosis after lumbar fusion is sufficient to reduce pain. Volume 1(1): 5-5 54. Cloward RB (1981) Spondylolisthesis: treatment by laminectomy and posterior interbody fusion. Clin Orthop Relat Res: 74-82. [Crossref]