To evaluate the surgical effect of anterior interbody fusion using a horizontal cylinder cage in a degenerative lumbar spine.

We evaluated 16 patients (at 20 levels) who received anterior interbody fusion using a horizontal cylinder cage in a degenerative lumbar spine or in secondary segmental lumbar instability following decompression at the same level from May 1997 to May 1998. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up radiographs were taken to compare the posterior disc height, neuroforaminal area, and the neuroforaminal volume. Fusion rates and clinical results were also reviewed.

Posterior disc height (mm), neuroforaminal area (mm2) and neuroforaminal volume (mm3) were increased and maintained during the follow-up period. Radiological fusion was noted in 17 levels (85%) at a postoperative 1 year. Satisfactory clinical results were also obtained in 17 levels (85%).

Anterior interbody fusion using a horizontal cylinder cage might be an effective method in the surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spine or secondary segmental lumbar instability.