Adjacent Segment Degeneration and Adjacent Segment Disease: Implications following Spinal Fusion Surgery

Abstract

Spinal fusion is a common and effective option for patients with symptomatic degenerative disc disorders. However, concerns have raised over the probability of adjacent segment degeneration (ASDe) and adjacent segment disease (ASDi) following spinal instrumentation. Current study sought to document evidence on the incidence of ASDe and ASDi after lumbar fusion surgery and the risk factors precipitating adjacent pathologies. Given the benefits of spinal fusion surgery, it remains unclear whether adjacent pathologies are attributed to the natural degeneration or the adjacent fusion.