Comparison of unilateral versus bilateral pedicle screw fixation in lumbar interbody fusion: a meta-analysis

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

Five prospective controlled studies were included in this analysis of lumbar interbody fusion comparing unilateral and bilateral pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of degenerative lumbar disorders. The primary focus was to determine if there is a difference in fusion rate and complication rate between the two fixation methods. The results indicated that fusion and complication rates were similar between groups. Secondarily, operative time and blood loss appeared to be reduced with unilateral compared to bilateral fixation.