Fusion Surgery

Buttermann GR, Hollmann S, Arpino J-M, Ferko N. Value of Single Level Circumferential Fusion: A 10 Year Prospective Study and Cost Effectiveness Analysis Comparing Posterior Facet Versus Pedicle Screw Fixation. Eur Spine J. 2020 Feb;29(2):360-373.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion outcomes over 10 years: A prospective study. Buttermann GR. Spine. 43(3):207-214, 2018.

Buttermann, Glenn R. MD, Mullin, William J. MD. Two-Level Circumferential Lumbar Fusion Comparing Midline and Paraspinal Posterior Approach: 5-Year Interim Outcomes of a Randomized, Blinded, Prospective Study. Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques: November 2015 – Volume 28 – Issue 9 – p E534–E543.

Buttermann, GR, Thorson, TM, Mullin, WJ. Outcomes of posterior facet versus pedicle screw fixation circumferential fusion: a cohort study. Eur Spine J.

Buttermann GR. Prospective non-randomized comparison of allograft with bone morphogenic protein versus iliac-crest autograft in Anterior Cervical Discectmy and Fusions. Spine Journal 8(3):426-435, 2008.

Freeman AL, Derncek A, Beaubien BP, Buttermann GR, Lew WD, Wood KB. In Vitro comparison of bioreabsorbable and titanium anterior cervical plates in the immediate postoperative condition. Journal of Spinal Disorders 19(8):577-583, 2006.

Beaubien BP, Mehbod AA, Kallemeier PM, Lew WL, Buttermann GR, Transfeldt EE, Wood KB. Posterior augmentation of an anterior lumbar interbody fusion: Minimally invasive fixation versus pedicle screws in vitro. Spine 29(19):E406-12, 2004.

Buttermann GR, Glazer PC, Hu SS, Bradford DS. Anterior and posterior allografts in symptomatic thoracolumbar deformity fusion. Journal of Spinal Disorders 14(1):54-66, 2001.

Abe E, Nickel TD, Buttermann GR, Lewis JL, Transfeldt EE. The effect of spinal instrumentation on lumbar intradiscal pressure. Tohoku J. Exp. Med. 187:237-27, 1999.

Buttermann GR, Garvey TA, Hunt AF, Oglvie JW, Transfeldt EE, Boachie-Adjei O, Bradford DS. Lumbar fusion results related to diagnosis. Spine 23(1):116-127, 1998.

AbeE, Nickel TD, Buttermann GR, Lewis JL, Transfeldt EE. Lumbar intradiscal pressure after posterolateral fusion and pedicle screw fixation. Tohoku J. Exp. Med. 186:243-253, 1998.

Buttermann GR, Glazer RG, Hu SS, Bradford DS. Revision of failed lumbar fusions: A comparison of anterior autograft vs allograft. Spine 22(23):2748-2755, 1997.

Buttermann GR, Glazer PA, Bradford DS. The use of bone allografts in the spine. (Review) Clin. Orthop 324:75-85, 1996.

Buttermann GR, Heithoff KB, Ogilvie JW, Transfeldt EE, Cohen M. Vertebral body MRI related to lumbar fusion results. European Spine Journal 6(2):115-120, 1996.

XLIF (Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion) is a type of spinal fusion where the surgical approach is from the side. The surgeon accesses the intervertebral disc space and fuses the lumbar spine (low back) from the side (lateral), as opposed to the front (anterior) or back (posterior). The XLIF may be recommended to patients with degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, deformity, spondylolisthesis, and forms of lumbar stenosis.

Single Level Lumbar Fusion: Lumbar fusion is the surgical fusion of the vertebrae in the lower part of the back, reducing movement at these levels. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower back. Bone graft is placed along the sides of the spine. Pedicle screws are placed into the vertebral bodies and connected with rods. This helps to stabilize the spine while the bone fuses. It is common to perform decompression surgery in combination with a posterior lumbar fusion. Fusion surgery will seldom eliminate back pain completely. The goal of fusion surgery is to reduce pain.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF): Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure performed to remove a herniated or degenerative disc; in the cervical (neck) spine. The surgeon enters the spine from the front, through the throat area. After the disc is removed, the vertebrae above and below the disc space are fused together. Your doctor may recommend a discectomy if physical therapy or medication fail to relieve your neck or arm pain caused by inflamed and compressed spinal nerves.