22 Although this difference failed to reach statistical significance, a possible explanation for the trends toward higher rates of pseudarthrosis may be that the average follow-up for this investigation was only 1 year after surgery as opposed to the 2-year period used in the Hilibrand review.
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The Effects of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
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This shorter follow-up may be significant; at least two investigators have reported that smoking decreases the rate of fusion even in individuals who ultimately develop a stable union. 7 17 In a retrospective case series of 158 patients undergoing posterior cervical fusion with lateral mass screw fixation, Eubanks et al noted identical f