Accuracy and reliability of radiological methods for assessing fusion rates in patients undergoing spinal arthrodesis and stabilization: a systematic review of the past 10 years.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reliable assessment of spinal fusion remains a significant challenge due to the absence of universally accepted radiological criteria. Despite the widespread use of spinal arthrodesis and stabilization, substantial variability persists in how fusion is defined, assessed, and reported across studies. This systematic review evaluates current radiological methods for assessing spinal fusion outcomes, focusing on their reliability, reproducibility, and clinical applicability, and identifies existing limitations to inform future research and practice.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2014 and 2024. Following PRISMA guidelines, clinical studies reporting explicit radiological criteria for asses

SUBMITTER: Bilancia G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12741057 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature