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Table 2 Classification criteria for fusion assessment

From: Comparison between modified facet joint fusion and posterolateral fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases: a retrospective study

Fusion Grade*

Radiographic criteria in MFF

Radiographic criteria in PLF

Grade I

Complete bony continuity covering a whole facet joint

Complete bony continuity in intertransverse area

Grade II

Partial bony continuity on a facet joint

Partial bony continuity in intertransverse area

Grade III

Bony continuity was not confirmed with certainty at any portion of a facet joint

Bony continuity was not confirmed with certainty in intertransverse area

Grade IV

Obvious nonunion of a facet joint

Obvious nonunion in intertransverse area

  1. *Unilateral or bilateral grade I or II fusion was considered clinically fused, whereas grade III or IV fusion was considered unfused
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BMC Surgery

ISSN: 1471-2482

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