Interpositional arthroplasty (Jones technique) for the treatment of herniated lumbar disks: a modification of the soft posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Abstract

Sixty-six patients underwent posterior lumbar interpositional arthroplasty using a combination of calcium sulfate pellets, decompression bone, and autologous growth factors. Patients who underwent this modification of the soft posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) (Jones technique) were evaluated using clinical and radiographic ratings. The Jones technique produced significantly improved clinical pain scores in all patients, reducing back pain by 71% and leg pain by 90%. Furthermore, 93% of patients achieved at least 50% opacity of the disk space area. The Jones technique for the soft PLIF provided reduction of pain and stabilized the disk space height in addition to decreasing morbidity and cost.