Functional Outcome of Instrumentation and Interbody Cage Fusion in Cases of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Background: Primary lumbar vertebral instability or “spondylolisthesis” is perhaps one of the commonest radiological sign associated with lumbo-sacral pain after the third decade of life. Aims and Objectives: To find out the functional outcome in terms of clinical improvement in cases of single level lumbar spondylolisthesis by bone grafting and interbody cage fusion and pedicle screw fixation after decompression of neural elements. Materials and Methods: All the patients were evaluated by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the lumbosacral spine centered at the appropriate level. In all cases flexion and extension views were taken to assess the instability. More than 4 to 5 mm of sagittal translation and 10 degrees of rotation were considered as instability. All cases were evaluated further by MRI to evaluate facet joint pathology, sacralization/lumbarisation and to find the associated disc changes and the nerve root involvement. All patients were treated by decompression and interbody fusion with cage and bone graft by either Transforaminal or Posterior approach and instrumentation done with pedicle screws. Post operatively all patients were assessed for the functional outcome using the Oswestry Disability Index at 1 month, 3 month and 6 months Results: There is statistically significant difference in ODI Scores (Oswestry Disability Index) post operatively at 1 month, 3 month and 6 months. Conclusion: In agreement with good results, found in our study, we strongly believe that this technique of fusion and instrumentation is very useful in management of lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, this study should further be extended to a wider sample of patients with a longer follow-up.