Purpose
To assess the volume of fusion mass after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) using Hounsfield units methods.
Methods
The present study was within the frame work about a prospective observational cohort study to compare the surgical outcomes of a single-level PLIF for LSS between the local bone (LbG) and local bone plus hydroxyapatite groups (LbHa). The fusion material for each case was determined by the amount of available local bone. After the fusion material was chosen, patients were assigned to either the LbG group (n=20) or the LbHa group (n=20). The primary outcome was the assessment of fusion mass volume in each group.
Results
We used the new method using Hounsfield units for volumetric assessments of interbody fusion mass. There was no difference in fusion rates or volume of the fusion mass between the 2 groups.
Conclusions
Hounsfield unit method, that is the CT-based summation method using a cross-sectional slice, can be applied usefully to other areas of orthopaedics.