Extrusion of Interbody Fusion Devices—Clinical Examples

Extrusion of lumbar interbody fusion devices is a rare, though well-described, complication. Extrusion has been seen with a variety of interbody devices and surgical techniques. It is most commonly seen when implants are placed using a posterior approach. Extrusion results from instability of the final construct following implantation, or misplacement of the device. Instability can result from placement of an undersized implant or excessive resection of the facet joints. In each case, an error in surgical technique can be identified which leads to the extrusion. A design flaw of the implant is generally not the cause for the extrusion.