ABSTRACT
Approximately 1200 lumbar spinal fusions are carried out in England each year. It is the third most common lumbar spine operation, there being 3000 decompressions, and nearly 9000 disc excisions every year [1], Instrumenta tion for lumbar fusion has improved, but as the indications for fusion become clearer, it is probable that fewer fusions are now being carried out for low back pain.
