Lumbar Spine Stabilization

Lumbar spine instability is a common consequence of age-related spinal degeneration, congenital spinal malformations, and previous lumbar surgery, among other causes. Pain is the most common indication for surgical stabilization, but neurological symptoms such as leg weakness and urinary disfunction are frequent manifestations of lumbar instability that can reduce a patient's quality of life. The field of surgical stabilization of the lumbar spine has evolved in terms of its anatomic approaches, instrumentation, techniques for arthrodesis, and intraoperative evaluation. These advances have led to better patient outcomes. Selecting appropriate patients and surgical treatments as well as appropriately managing these patients before and after surgery is paramount to success.