Incidence and risk factors of distal adjacent disc degeneration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing fusion surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ConclusionsThis meta-analysis demonstrated that the incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration significantly increased with long-term follow-up using fusion techniques, reaching up to 32% when patients were 28  years of age. Incomplete correction of deformity and fusion of levels below L3, were identified as negative prognostic factors. Furthermore, patients with disc degeneration showed worse functional outcomes.
Source: European Spine Journal - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research