Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Group Research Articles

What are the differences in paraspinal muscle morphometry among degenerative spondylolisthesis patients, isthmic spondylolisthesis patients, and healthy individuals? A propensity score matching analysis

PurposeTo compare the morphometry of paraspinal muscles in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS), and healthy individuals.MethodsThirty-seven pairs of DS patients were selected using propensity score matching with IS patients, while 37 healthy individuals matched for age, sex, and BMI were selected as controls. The relative cross-sectional area (rCSA), and relative functional cross-sectional area (rfCSA) of paraspinal muscles were measured, and the degree of fatty infiltration (FI) was calculated. Based on occupational differences, the patients were also divided into worker and farmer groups, and the same measurements were taken on them.ResultsAt the L3/L4 level, the multifidus (MF) FI was greater in the DS and IS groups than in the control group, the erector spinae (ES) rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS and control groups. At the L4/L5 level, MF rfCSA was smaller in the DS and IS groups than in the control group; ES rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS and control groups. At the L5/S1 level, MF rfCSA was smaller in the DS and IS groups than in the control group; ES rfCSA was higher in the IS group than in the DS group. At the L3/L4, L4/L5 level, MF rfCSA were higher in the worker group than in the farmer group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe morphological changes in paraspinal muscles in patients with DS were dominated by selective atrophy of the MF, while in patients with IS, the morphological changes in paraspinal muscle showed selective atrophy of the MF accompanied by compensatory hypertrophy of the ES. The surgeon should consider the morphological differences in paraspinal muscle between different types of lumbar spondylolisthesis when establishing the appropriate surgical program.

Analyzing lumbar vertebral shape and alignment in female patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis: Comparisons with spinal stenosis and risk factor exploration.

This study aimed to examine the vertebral body shape characteristics and spondylopelvic alignment in L4 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) as well as the risk factors for the development of DS. This cross-sectional study compared vertebral morphology and sagittal spinopelvic alignment in female patients with lumbar DS and lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The degree of lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), cross-sectional area (CSA), and vertebral body height ratio (ha/hp) of the lumbar spine were compared using full-length spine radiographs and computed tomography in 60 females with DS and in 60 women with LSS. No significant differences in age or body mass index were observed between the two groups; however, the DS and LSS groups significantly differed in PI (mean, 58.9±10.8 vs. 47.2±11.6, P < 0.001), L4 CSA (mean, 1,166.2 m2 vs. 1,242.0 m2, P = 0.002) and ha/hp (mean, 1.134 vs. 1.007, P < 0.001). The L4 ha/hp was significantly higher in the DS group than in the LSS group. Additionally, LL values were negatively correlated with vertebral L5 CSA in the DS group (r = -0.28, P < 0.05). The LSS and DS groups demonstrated positive correlations between LL and L2, L3, and L4 ha/hp (r = 0.331, 0.267, and 0.317; P < 0.01, < 0.05, and < 0.05, respectively) and between LL and L4 and L5 ha/hp (r = 0.333, 0.331; P < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that PI and ha/hp ratio may be independent predictors of DS development. The DS group had significantly larger LL, PI, and L4 ha/hp and smaller L4 CSA than the LSS group. The lumbar vertebral body shape and sagittal spinopelvic alignment in females might be independent predictors of DS development.

Cervical sagittal parameters in degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis versus degenerative cervical kyphosis with myeloradiculopathy treated by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Adult spinal deformity, especially sagittal imbalance, is affecting health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) scores. There is a lack of emphasis in the comparison of cervical sagittal parameters in patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis and degenerative cervical kyphosis. The aim of study is to determine the preoperative and postoperative cervical sagittal parameters in myeloradiculopathic patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis and degenerative cervical kyphosis treated by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). A retrospective medical records and radiographic study of 30 adult patients were reviewed. Fifteen patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis and 15 patients with degenerative cervical kyphosis have been performed ACDF from 2010-2020. We measured the preoperative and postoperative cervical sagittal parameters: C0-C2 angle, C1-C2 angle, C2-C7 angle, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope, neck tilt angle and thoracic inlet angle. Minimum follow-up period was at least 2 years. Patients in degenerative cervical kyphosis group have C2-C7 angle less than degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis group (-14.88±7.32 vs. 9.60±13.60), leading to increase the mismatch between T1 slope and C2-C7 angle in kyphotic group and hyperlordosis of C0-C2 angle and C1-C2 angle (31.13±7.68, 37.88±5.08) compare with spondylolisthesis group (13±10.20, 24.60±10.70). Whereas patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis have C2-C7 SVA (33.22±13.92) more than kyphosis group (13.70±13.60). After surgery, there is significant increase of the C2-C7 angle in the kyphosis group compare before and after surgery (-14.88±7.32 vs. 4.10±11.80). While the spondylolisthesis group has no significantly different parameters compare to before surgery. However, the postoperative cervical sagittal parameters of all patients are within the normal thresholds (T1-Slope minus C2-C7 lordosis <15° and C2-C7 SVA <40 mm). The study demonstrates the difference of sagittal parameters between degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis and kyphosis before and after surgery. ACDF not only provides neural decompressive procedure, but also corrects the regional cervical sagittal parameters.

A radiological parametric comparison of low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis to degenerative spondylolisthesis - A retrospective approach to establish its dysplastic origin.

This study aims to compare low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis (LS) and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) radiologically. In addition, it seeks to identify underlying similarities between LS and DS. This study included patients with low-grade single-level spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 or L5-S1. They were categorized into LS and DS. Radiological features, including pedicle height, width, transverse, and sagittal angle, as well as anterior vertebral heights (AVH) and posterior vertebral heights (PVH), were measured using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The study involved 88 patients: 46 in the DS group and 42 in the LS group. In the LS group, the AVH was significantly higher than the posterior height at L4 and L5 (L4 PVH/AVH ratio 0.93 in LS vs. 0.96 in DS; L5 PVH/AVH ratio 0.84 in LS vs. 0.92 in DS), and pedicles were more medially oriented (L4: 19.62° in LS vs. 17.7° in DS; L5: 28.92° in LS vs. 26.47° in DS). In addition, at L5, the pedicle height (10.67 mm in LS vs. 11.48 mm in DS) and width (13.56 mm in LS vs. 14.37 mm in DS) were smaller compared to the DS group. Low-grade LS shows distinct radiological vertebral and pedicle anatomy compared to DS. Short and thin pedicles and wedge-shaped vertebrae in LS resemble DS, indicating its dysplastic origin.

Differences in preoperative clinical symptoms and radiological findings of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and lumbar canal stenosis

ObjectiveSome reports have referred to differences in preoperative symptoms and radiological findings between lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LCS), while others have reported no differences. We investigated the differences of preoperative clinical and radiological findings between the DS group and LCS group.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 32 patients in the DS group and 24 patients in the LCS group with regard to preoperative clinical symptoms, dural sac area and spinopelvic parameters.Results: The mean dural sac area of the DS group (40.4 ± 18.7 mm2) was significantly narrower than that of the LCS group (56.0 ± 24.0 mm2) (p = 0.008). As for the spinopelvic parameters, the PI was significantly greater in the DS group with 56.6 ± 11.8° compared to 47.4 ± 11.4° in the LCS group (p = 0.005), and the LL was also significantly different with 45.8 ± 13.8° and 37.1 ± 14.0° respectively (p = 0.023). Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) scores for walking ability was significantly impaired in the DS group compared to the LCS group (p = 0.025).Conclusion. The DS group had a significantly smaller dural sac area than the LCS group, while PI and LL were significantly larger and walking ability was significantly impaired.

Paraspinal muscle gene expression across different aetiologies in individuals undergoing surgery for lumbar spine pathology

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to understand potential baseline transcriptional expression differences in paraspinal skeletal muscle from patients with different underlying lumbar pathologies by comparing multifidus gene expression profiles across individuals with either disc herniation, facet arthropathy, or degenerative spondylolisthesis.MethodsMultifidus biopsies were obtained from patients (n = 44) undergoing lumbar surgery for either disc herniation, facet arthropathy, or degenerative spondylolisthesis. Diagnostic categories were based on magnetic resonance images, radiology reports, and intraoperative reports. Gene expression for 42 genes was analysed using qPCR. A one-way analysis of variance was performed for each gene to determine differences in expression across diagnostic groups. Corrections for multiple comparisons across genes (Benjamini–Hochberg) and for between-group post hoc comparisons (Sidak) were applied.ResultsAdipogenic gene (ADIPOQ) expression was higher in the disc herniation group when compared to the facet arthropathy group (p = 0.032). Adipogenic gene (PPARD) expression was higher in the degenerative spondylolisthesis group when compared to the disc herniation group (p = 0.013), although absolute gene expression levels for all groups was low. Fibrogenic gene (COL3A1) had significantly higher expression in the disc herniation group and facet arthropathy group when compared to the degenerative spondylolisthesis group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.038, respectively). When adjusted for multiple comparisons, only COL3A1 remained significant (p = 0.012).ConclusionIndividuals with disc herniation and facet arthropathy demonstrate higher COL3A1 gene expression compared to those with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Future research is required to further understand the biological relevance of these transcriptional differences.

Specific foraminal changes originate from degenerative spondylolisthesis on computed tomographic images.

Operative treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is accompanied by the high incidence of nerve injury. Foraminal structures, especially the hypertrophied facet joints, have significant impacts on the adjacent nerve. This study aims to identify the specific foraminal changes relating to DS and nerve injury. The CT images of 70 patients with DS and 50 patients without lumbar disease were collected. The length and height of the foraminal structure were measured horizontally and vertically on sagittally reconstructed images. Horizontal stenosis, meaning to pending compression to nerve root after complete reduction, was evaluated on the image located to the middle of the foramen. Chi-square test or T-test were carried out using SPSS 26.0. The hyperplasia of the superior articular process (SAP) and articular capsule (Ac) incidence rates in DS group was significantly more common than that of the control group (9.2 vs 0.0%, 42.9 vs 2.0%). The height and width of the SAP and Ac in vertical and horizontal directions were significantly greater than those in the control group (4.95mm vs - 0.47mm, P < 0.0001; 3.28 vs 0.02mm, P < 0.0001; 5.27 vs3.44mm, P < 0.0001; 2.60 vs 0.37mm, P < 0.0001). In the DS group, hyperplasia of the SAP and Ac accounted for 9 and 43% respectively, 85 and 45% of which were accompanied by horizontal stenosis of the intervertebral foramen. DS is usually characterized of excessive hyperplasia of the SAP and Ac, both of which are possible elements of nerve root injury after complete reduction in operation and should be focused on during surgery.

Radiological Characteristics of Low-Grade Lytic Spondylolisthesis: Similarity to Dysplastic Spondylolisthesis.

Retrospective case-control study. This study aimed to analyze the etiology of low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis based on the radiologic features of the vertebra. According to the Marchetti-Bartolozzi classification scheme, high-grade lytic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade 3-5) is classified as dysplastic. However, determination of the etiology for low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis as developmental or traumatic remains controversial. Patients admitted and treated for one-level (L4/5 or L5/S1) low-grade spondylolisthesis were included in the study. A total of 135 patients were divided into the degenerative or lytic spondylolisthesis groups according to their condition (81 patients [degenerative group] vs. 54 patients [lytic group]). To assess the level of similarity in the radiological findings between low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis and dysplastic spondylolisthesis, the pedicle diameters and vertebral heights of the L4 and L5 vertebrae were measured on computed tomography images. Measurements were then converted to each vertebra's ratio to reduce confounding factors among individuals. The affected vertebra had a smaller sagittal pedicle diameter/transverse pedicle diameter ratio in the low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis group compared to the degenerative group, and the posterior vertebral height/anterior vertebral height ratio of L5 was smaller in the L5/S1 lytic spondylolisthesis group compared to the degenerative spondylolisthesis group. Low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis and dysplastic spondylolisthesis demonstrated similar radiological findings. Hence, surgeons should be attentive to the morphology of the vertebral body and posterior column during preoperative planning for the treatment of low-grade lytic spondylolisthesis.

121. The influence of frailty in spine surgery populations is highly variable: an analysis of 57,027 patients from the NSQIP database undergoing surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy or lumbar spondylolisthesis

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Frailty is an emerging concept in risk prediction for spine surgery, but how the influence of frailty affects different populations of patients with different index pathologies has not been established. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To compare the effect of frailty in predicting 30-day outcomes after surgery in two common patient populations: degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Statistical analysis of prospectively-collected registry data. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Patients included in the National Safety and Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database 2010-2018 undergoing a surgical procedure with a diagnosis of DCM or DS. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> (1) Major complication (pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, wound infection or dehiscence, stroke, and sepsis) within 30 days, and (2) mortality, reoperation, readmission within 30 days, length of stay and discharge destination. <h3>METHODS</h3> Patients with a diagnosis of DCM or DS undergoing surgery were selected from an assimilated database of the NSQIP registry in the years 2010-2018 inclusive using the corresponding ICD-9/-10 codes. The 5-point modified frailty index (MFI-5) was then calculated for all patients using a score of 0 (Not-Frail), 1 (Pre-Frail) 2 (Frail) or 3 or more (Severely Frail). Simple demographics, including age, type of approach, number of levels, co-morbidities, fusion or nonfusion surgery and frailty distribution were compared using descriptive statistics for parametric and nonparametric data. Univariate analysis was used to define the odds ratio (OR) or beta coefficient (BC, continuous variables) of major complication, mortality, readmission, reoperation, length of hospital stay and discharge destination stratified by frailty, and then compared between DCM and DS cohorts. A multivariable model adjusting for age, gender and frailty was then used to test any significant effect seen. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 41,369 patients underwent surgery for DCM compared to 15,658 patients who underwent surgery for DS. DCM patients (mean age 56.6[56.5-56.7]) were younger than DS patients (mean age 62.5[62.31-69.70]; p <0.001). In the DCM group, 80% underwent anterior approach, 17% posterior and 3% combined. In the DS group, 27.7% underwent posterior decompression alone compared to 72.3% with instrumented fusion. The DCM group had a higher proportion of non-frail patients (45%) compared to the DS group (36.8%), and the distribution of frailty was significantly different between cohorts (p <0.001). OR of a major complication was greater in the DCM patients compared to DS patients, for all strata of frailty (2.40[2.06-2.80] vs 1.75[1.38-2.24] for pre-frail, 3.80[3.22-4.48] vs 2.02[1.50-2.69] for frail, and 11.63[9.44-14.33] vs 2.68[1.51-4.75] for severely frail patients; p <0.001 for each). Frailty demonstrated a larger effect on the mortality in DCM patients compared to DS patients (OR for pre-frail 4.89[2.72-8.79] vs 5.34[1.21-23.69], OR for severely frail 27.70[14.29-53.69] vs 9.15[0.83-101.20]). This was also true for length of hospital stay and discharge to non-home destination. The effect of frailty on reoperation or readmission was equivalent. On multivariable analysis, DCM patients demonstrated significantly greater OR of major complication (1.35[1.20-1.52]; p <0.001), mortality (3.02[1.89-4.83] but a shorter length of hospital stay (BC -0.33[-0.42 - -0.24]; p <0.001). <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> This study shows the influence of frailty amongst patients undergoing surgery for DCM and DS populations is not equivalent. In DCM populations, frailty has a greater effect size for metrics such as major complication or mortality compared to DS patients, but the opposite is true for length of hospital stay. Further work is required to define the key elements of frailty assessment in these discrete populations. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Posterior Fixation with Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Single Level Isthmic and Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis in Adults Causes Less Complication

BACKGROUND&#x0D; Lumbar interbody fusion has long been considered the "gold standard" technique for surgical treatment of adult spondylolisthesis. Superior results have subsequently been reported with interbody fusion with cages and posterior instrumentation. The objectives of the study were to determine the functional outcome after one year following surgery and evaluate the fusion rate.&#x0D; METHODS&#x0D; In this prospective, non-randomised study, 26 patients (average age 37.1 yrs) with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS), who suffered for an average of 12.08 months and 14 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) (average age 58.6 yrs), who suffered for 13.2 months on average were collected in out-patient department basis. They underwent an interbody fusion with cages with posterior instrumentation (TLIF or PLIF). Clinical outcome was measured using VAS and Oswestry Disability Index. Foraminal dimensions and disc heights were measured in standard digital radiographs. Radiographic fusion was confirmed with CT scans at 1 year.&#x0D; RESULTS&#x0D; In the IS group, a mean spondylolisthesis slip of 33.3 % was reduced to 6.7 % at 1 year. Vertical foraminal distance(C) was improved from 11.2 mm to 12.0 mm. The fusion rate was 78.2 % with TLIF and 66.7 % with PLIF. In the DS group, a mean spondylolisthesis slip of 32.7 % was reduced to 7.4 % at 1 year. C distance was improved from 11.8 mm to 13.2 mm. The fusion rate was 66.7 % with TLIF and 100 % with PLIF. The mean ODI scores at baseline and 1 year, were improved from 48 to 9.8 and from 49.5 to 18.4 in the IS and DS groups respectively. VAS score was improved from 6.4 to 0.8 and from 6.6 to 2.5 in IS and DS groups respectively.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS&#x0D; Interbody fusion for low-grade spondylolisthesis requiring reduction results in excellent to good functional outcomes in 90 % of patients with a good fusion rate. TLIF procedure of spinal fusion requires less time, causes less bleeding, and has less chance of damage to the neural structures than PLIF.

Comparison of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and isthmic lumbar spondylolisthesis: effect of pedicle screw placement on proximal facet invasion in surgical treatment

BackgroundPedicle screw invasion of the proximal articular process will cause local articular process degeneration and acceleration, which is an important factor affecting adjacent segment degeneration. Although lumbar spondylolisthesis is a risk factor for screw invasion of the proximal joint, there is no clear conclusion regarding the two different types of spondylolisthesis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of pedicle screw placement on proximal facet invasion in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis and isthmic spondylolisthesis.MethodsIn total, 468 cases of lumbar spondylolisthesis treated by decompression and fusion in our hospital from January 2017 to January 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Among them, 238 cases were degenerative spondylolisthesis (group A), and 230 cases were isthmic spondylolisthesis (group B). Sex, age, body mass index, bone mineral density, preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, postoperative VAS and ODI scores at 1 month and 3 months, and angle of the proximal facet joint at the last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. The degree of pedicle screw invasion of the proximal facet joint was graded and compared by the SEO grading method.ResultsThere were no significant differences in sex, age, body mass index, bone mineral density, preoperative VAS and ODI scores, or proximal facet joint angle between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS and ODI scores between the two groups at 1 month and 3 months after the operation (P > 0.05). The VAS score of group A at the last follow-up was 1 (1,2). The VAS score of group B at the last follow-up was 3 (1,3). The ODI score of group A at the last follow-up was 6(4,26). The ODI score of group B at the last follow-up was 15(8,36). The VAS and ODI scores of the two groups at the last follow-up were significantly different (P < 0.05). According to the SEO grading method, the invasion of the proximal articular process by pedicle screw placement in group A involved 320 cases in grade 0, 128 cases in grade I and 28 cases in grade II. In group B, there were 116 cases in grade 0, 248 cases in grade I and 96 cases in grade II, with a significant difference (P < 0.01).ConclusionIn summary, a certain number of cases involving screws invading the proximal facet joint occurred in the two different types of lumbar spondylolisthesis, but the number in the isthmic spondylolisthesis group was significantly higher than that in the degenerative spondylolisthesis group, which caused more trauma to the proximal facet joint and significantly affected the patient prognosis.

Mid-term changes in spinopelvic sagittal alignment in lumbar spinal stenosis with coexisting degenerative spondylolisthesis or scoliosis after minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery: minimum five-year follow-up

BACKGROUND CONTEXTRecently, the number of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) who present with a coexisting spinal deformity such as degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and scoliosis (DLS) has been increasing. Lumbar decompression without fusion can lead to a reactive improvement in the lumbar and sagittal spinopelvic alignment, even if a sagittal imbalance exists preoperatively. However, the mid- to long-term impact of the coexistence of DS and DLS on the change in sagittal spinopelvic alignment and clinical outcomes after decompression surgery remains unknown. PURPOSEThis study aimed to investigate whether the coexistence of DS or DLS in patients with LSS is associated with differences in radiological and clinical outcomes after minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. PATIENT SAMPLEA total of 169 patients who underwent minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery and follow-up >5 years postoperatively. OUTCOME MEASURESSelf-report measures: Low back pain (LBP) and/or leg pain and/or leg numbness visual analog scale (VAS) scores and the Japanese Orthopedic Association scores. PHYSIOLOGIC MEASURESStanding sagittal spinopelvic alignment. METHODSIn total, 81 patients with LSS, 50 patients with LSS and DS (≥3 mm anterior slippage), and 38 patients with LSS and DLS (≥15° coronal Cobb angle) were included in the current study. Clinical and radiological outcome results before surgery and at 2 and 5 years after surgery were compared among the groups. RESULTSIn patients with LSS with coexisting DS, the clinical outcomes at 2, and 5 years after surgery were similar to those of patients with only LSS. In patients with LSS with coexisting DLS, the VAS LBP and leg pain at 2 years after surgery was significantly higher (34.7 vs. 27.8, p=0.014; 27.8 vs. 14.7, p=0.028) and the achievement rate of the minimal clinically important difference in VAS LBP and leg pain was significantly lower than that of the LSS group (36.1% vs. 54.2%, p=0.036; 58.3% vs. 69.9%, p=0.10). The clinical outcomes except VAS leg numbness at 5 years after surgery were similar to those of patients with only LSS. The reoperation rate of the DS group was significantly lower than that of the LSS group (4.0% vs. 14.8%; p=0.01); however, the reoperation rate of the DLS group was comparable to that of the LSS group (15.8% vs. 14.8%; p=0.493). Lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence-LL had significantly improved and been maintained for 5 years after the surgery in both the DS and the DLS groups. The sagittal vertical axis had improved at two-year follow-up; however, no significant difference was observed at the 5-year follow-up in both the DS, and the DLS groups. CONCLUSIONSMid-term clinical outcomes in patients with LSS with and without deformity were comparable. Lumbar decompression without fusion can result in a reactive improvement in the lumbar and sagittal spinopelvic alignment, even with coexisting DS or DLS. Minimally invasive surgery could be considered for most patients with LSS.

The Quantity and Quality of Lumbar Muscles and Lumbopelvic Parameters in Patients With Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

IntroductionLumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The lumbar muscles, such as the psoas major (PM), erector spinae (ES), and multifidus (MF) muscles, play an important role in the stability and functional movement of the lumbar spine. The quantities and qualities of these muscles may be related to the occurrence of DS and lumbopelvic parameters, such as lumbar lordosis (LL) and sacral slope (SS). However,the influence of lumbar muscles on DS and lumbopelvic alignment is not well understood.MethodsPatients with L4 DS (DS group, n=25) and without DS (non-DS group, n=25) were included. Using sagittal reconstructed CT images of patients who visited our hospital for reasons other than low back disorders, LL, upper lumbar lordosis ([ULL] L1-L4), lower lumbar lordosis ([LLL] L4-S1), and SS were examined. To evaluate the quantity and quality of lumbar muscles, the gross cross-sectional area (GCSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA), and fat infiltration (FI) of the PM, ES, and MF muscles were measured by CT images. The lumbopelvic parameters, FCSA, GCSA, and FI of lumbar muscles were compared between the two groups. Then, each lumbar muscle parameter was analyzed for correlation with DS and lumbopelvic parameters.ResultsDS patients displayed significantly greater ULL and lower FI of the PM and ES muscles than non-DS patients (p=0.0078, 0.031, and 0.010, respectively). The FI of the ES muscle was significantly correlated with the presence of DS (p=0.010). The FCSA of the ES and MF muscles and the GCSA of the MF muscle showed a significant correlation with LL and SS in the non-DS group (p<0.05), but not in the DS group..ConclusionULL was greater in L4 DS patients, possibly related to the better quality of the ES muscle. All DS patients showed mild (grade I) spondylolisthesis, suggesting the possibility that lumbar muscle quality is better in patients with mild DS than in those without DS. The ES and MF muscles may play an important role in maintaining the lumbar lordotic angle in non-DS patients but not in DS patients.

P134. Midterm clinical and radiological outcomes of lumbar spinal stenosis with concurrent scoliosis and/or spondylolisthesis after minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery: Minimum 5-year follow-up

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Several studies recently have been published about the sagittal spinal alignment of lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSS) after decompression surgery, however, little is known about these variables of LSS with concurrent degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and/or lumbar scoliosis (DLS). With aging of the population, spine surgeons are currently more and more confronted with a wide variety of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the radiological and clinical outcomes differ depend on the concomitance after minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> A total of 244 patients underwent bilateral decompression via unilateral approach using microscope or microendscope at our instituted between 2008 and 2013, and were followed up for more than 5 years postoperatively. A total of 169 patients were included in the final analysis (88 women, 81 men; mean age at surgery, 69.5±9.2years). The patients were divided into three groups: LSS group (without DS and DLS; n=91), DS group (n=59) and DLS group (n=19) <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Clinical outcomes were evaluated with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system (29 possible points) and visual analog scale (VAS) score for low back pain (LBP), leg pain, leg numbness and achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of VAS for low back pain (LBP) or leg pain (LP). Furthermore all spinopelvic parameters such as 1) cervical lordosis (CL): C2–7 angle (positive means lordosis); 2) cervicothoracic kyphosis (CTK): C7–T5 angle (positive means kyphosis); 3) thoracic kyphosis (TK): T5–12 angle (positive means kyphosis); 4) lumbar lordosis: T12–S1 angle (positive means lordosis); 5) C7–S1 sagittal vertical axis (SVA): distance between C-7 plumb line and posterosuperior sacrum; 6) pelvic parameters: sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI) and PI – LL were evaluated. <h3>METHODS</h3> All patients underwent bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach to decompress the central and bilateral lateral recess using a microscope or the METRx Microendoscopic Discectomy System (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Warsaw, IN, USA). Outcomes were quantified comparatively among Simple LSS group vs DS group (with anterior slip of more than 3mm) and DLS group (with ≥ 20° coronal Cobb angle) using low back pain (LBP) /leg pain/leg numbness visual analog scale (VAS) scores, the JOA scores and variables about sagittal plane alignment before surgery, 2 years and 5 years of follow-up. <h3>RESULTS</h3> In patients coexisting DS, the clinical outcomes at 2year and 5-year after surgery were similar with that of LSS except for VAS leg numbness. In patients coexisting DLS, the VAS leg pain at 2-year after surgery was significantly higher (34.5 vs 14.5, P=0.001) and the achievement rate of the minimal clinically important difference in VAS LBP and leg pain was significantly lower than LSS group (26.3% vs 52.7%; P=0.036, 42.1% vs 72.5%; P=0.01). The reoperation rate of DS group was significantly lower than that of LSS group (3.4% vs16.5%; P=0.01), but the DLS group was comparable to the LSS group (15.8% vs 16.5%; P=0.941). Lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt and pelvic incidence-LL were significantly improved and maintained for 5 years after surgery, however, sagittal vertical axis improved at 2-year follow-up, but no significantly difference was observed at 5-year follow-up in both the DS and the DLS group. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> Among patients with DS and DLS, the clinical effectiveness and radiological changes after minimally lumbar decompression surgery alone was noninferior to that of LSS without deformity. The less invasive procedure should be considered for most LSS patients. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> Unavailable from authors at time of publication.

Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Posterior Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis with Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

Retrospective cohort study. To compare the clinical outcomes 5 years after minimally invasive posterior decompression for lumber spinal stenosis (LSS) between patients with and without degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). Indications for surgical procedures for patients with LSS and DS are still under investigation. Since minimally invasive surgery does not affect most anatomical structures, preoperative DS may not negatively affect the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive posterior decompression. Overall, 198 patients with LSS who underwent microendoscopic or microscopic decompression and were followed up for more than 5 years postoperatively were included in the present study. Patients who showed a segmental kyphosis >5° at the surgical level during flexion were treated with fusion surgery. However, other patients, including those with DS, were treated with posterior decompression. The patients were divided into two groups: the DS group included 82 patients with >3-mm slip and the non-DS group included 112 patients with ≤3-mm slip or without slip. A mixed-effects model adjusted for age and sex was used to compare the improvements in the visual analog scale score for low-back pain and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of the two groups. For subgroup analysis (n = 53), the changes in the preoperative physical component summary and the mental component summary of Short Form-36 of the two groups at 5 years after surgery were evaluated. There was no significant difference in the improvement of preoperative low-back pain visual analog scale score and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score 5 years after surgery between the two groups. Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in the improvement of preoperative physical component summary and mental component summary 5 years after surgery. After carefully eliminating patients with segmental instability, DS did not affect the clinical outcomes of minimally invasive decompression surgery.Level of Evidence: 3.

Differences in Sagittal Balance in Patients with and without Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Who are Surgically Treated for Spinal Stenosis. A Comparative Study

Introduction: In pathogenesis of degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and its development, several predisposing factors have been advocated. However, the role of lumbar sagittal alignment has not been well studied yet. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the sagittal spinopelvic alignment and to compare these parameters between patients with and without degenerative spondylolisthesis who were surgically treated for lumbar spinal stenosis. Materials and Methods: Between 2008-2018, we studied 68 patients who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis. 34 of these patients, suffered by DS (group 1), and the other 34, age- and gender-matched patients, not presented DS (group 2). Surgical treatment was realized after six months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. Spinopelvic parameters including pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), L4 slope, L5 slope, thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental lumbar lordosis (SLL) and sagittal balance were compared between the two groups. In the group 1, the slippage grade (% slip) was also evaluated. Results: PI, SS, L4 slope, L5 slope, TK and LL in the group 1 were significantly greater than those in the group 2, and PI had positive correlation with % slip (p<0.05). The SLL of patients with DS was significantly lower than those without DS. In the group 1, there was a strong correlation between the PI and the SS (p<0.001), rather than with the PT (p<0.01). Between the two groups there was no significant difference in PT. Conclusions: In patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis, PI was significantly greater than that in patients without DS and PI had positive correlation with the percentage of slippage. Greater PI turns to be a predisposing factor to the development and the progression of vertebral sliding. On the other hand, patients who suffered by degenerative lumbar stenosis without sliding, have a normal PI. In patients with DS, a predisposing condition for an anterior displacement of L4 on L5, was represented by the increased vertical inclination of the S1 endplate. In these patients, segmental lordosis was increased at the levels above L4/L5.

Association of MRI-defined lumbar paraspinal muscle mass and slip percentage in degenerative and isthmic spondylolisthesis: A multicenter, retrospective, observational study.

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of paraspinal muscles in the progression of different types of spondylolisthesis by examining the correlation between cross-sectional area (CSA) of lumbar paraspinal muscle and slip percentage (SP) in degenerative spondylolisthesis and isthmic spondylolisthesis.A multicenter retrospective analysis was carried out including 219 subjects diagnosed with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Using T2-weighted axial magnetic resonance imgaging, CSAs of the psoas major (PM), multifidus (MU), and erector spinae were measured and divided by L5 vertebral body (VB) CSA. SP was measured using sagittal T2-weighted images. Correlations between muscle CSA ratio and SP were calculated in each group. Regression analysis was performed to predict the influence of each muscle CSA/VB CSA ratio on SP.No significant correlation was found in the degenerative spondylolisthesis group between any of the muscle CSA ratios and SP. Both PM/VB ratio (r = −0.24, P = .021) and MU/VB ratio (r = −0.26, P = .012) were negatively correlated with SP in the isthmic spondylolisthesis group. MU had more influence on SP than PM in the isthmic spondylolisthesis group (regression coefficient MU/VB: −8.08, PM/VB: −4.34).Both PM and MU muscle CSA ratios were negatively correlated with SP in the isthmic group. MU had more influence on SP than PM. No muscles had any correlations with SP in the degenerative group. This discrepancy between the two groups suggests that exercise programs or interventions regarding the segmental stability of isthmic spondylolisthesis and degenerative spondylolisthesis should be distinguished in clinical practice.Clinical Research Information Service of Korea Centers for Disease control and Prevention, KCT0002588. Registered on 12 December 2017, https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=10702

Long-term Outcomes Following Lumbar Microendoscopic Diskectomy and Microendoscopic Decompression: Minimum 10-year Follow-up Evaluation Performed Using a Patient-based Outcome Measure.

Retrospective study of prospectively collected outcome data. No studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes following microendoscopic diskectomy for lumbar disk herniation (MEDH) and microendoscopic decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis (MEDS) using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). To assess the minimum 10-year outcomes following MEDH and MEDS. Seventy-six patients were classified into three groups: disk herniation (DH) group (33 patients underwent MEDH); spinal stenosis (SS) group (23 patients underwent MEDS); and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) group (20 DS patients underwent MEDS). The follow-up rate was 50.3% (76/151). The results were statistically compared using Scheffé's F test for differences among the DH, SS, and DS groups. The paired t test was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) scores. The degrees of improvement (DOIs) on JOABPEQ and the intensities of improvement (IOIs) on VAS at the first follow-up evaluation (FFE) (mean: 12 months after the operation) and at the most recent follow-up evaluation (MRFE) (mean: 126 months) of the DH group were statistically compared by the paired t test. DOIs and IOIs at MRFE of the SS group (mean: 126 months) and DS group (mean: 125 months) were statistically compared by the unpaired t test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical comparisons of the DOIs in all five functional scores and IOIs in low back pain (LBP), leg pain, and leg numbness showed no significant differences among the DH, SS, and DS groups. The effectiveness rates of pain-related disorders, gait disturbance, and social life disturbance in JOABPEQ were almost equally high in all three groups. Significant decreases in LBP, leg pain, and numbness, as measured with VAS, were noted at MRFE in all three groups. No significant differences were observed between FFE and MRFE concerning the DOIs and IOIs of the DH group, and between the SS and DS groups concerning the DOIs and IOIs at MRFE. Clinical 1-year outcomes of MEDH were thought to be maintained for > 10 years, and MEDS leads to the same clinical long-term outcomes with DS as without DS. Moreover, MEDH and MEDS were almost equally effective for > 10 years not only in improving LBP, leg pain, and numbness but also especially in improving pain-related disorders, gait disturbance, and social life disturbance by detailed quality-of-life assessment using JOABPEQ.

Microendoscopic Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis With Degenerative Spondylolisthesis: The Influence of Spondylolisthesis Stage (Disc Height and Static and Dynamic Translation) on Clinical Outcomes.

This study was a retrospective subgroup analysis of prospective cohort data. The main objectives of this study were to develop a classification of degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and concurrent lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) based on pathologic stage, and to determine how these subtypes of DS affect outcomes for minimally invasive (MIS) decompression SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:: DS with LSS is a common clinical scenario, yet there is no consensus on optimal treatment. Natural history of DS is described as early degenerative damage, followed by instability, and eventual restabilization via spondylotic changes. MIS decompression surgery has become increasingly popular, but the effect of DS subtypes on clinical outcomes after MIS decompression is unknown. From 2008 to 2013, all patients who underwent microendoscopic laminotomy for single-level LSS with DS were included. In total, 218 patients (91 male, 127 female individuals) were reviewed. DS pathologic staging was defined as early, advanced, or end stage, based on percent slippage (10% slippage), degree of dynamic instability (3 mm), and disc height. The following variables were evaluated preoperatively and >2 years postoperatively and compared among groups: Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, JOA recovery rate, and Visual Analog Scale low back pain. In total, 173 patients were included in final analysis. Final follow-up period was 2.3 years. Average JOA recovery rate was 63.8%. There were no significant differences in JOA recovery and Visual Analog Scale among 3 DS stages (P>0.05). In total, 9.8% of patients required additional spine surgery, with 5% requiring subsequent fusion. All patients who required subsequent fusion were in the advanced stage DS group. Microendoscopic decompression is an effective treatment for patients with DS and concurrent LSS, with only 5% of patients requiring subsequent fusion at over 2-year follow-up, and another 5% requiring revision or adjacent segment decompression. The advanced stage DS group, indicating a >10% anterolisthesis and/or >3 mm of dynamic instability, was more likely to require additional surgery.

A Radiological Study of the Association of Facet Joint Tropism and Facet Angulation With Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

ObjectiveTo study the association of facet joint angulation and joint tropism with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) through a comparison with a matched control group. MethodsThis radiographic study was carried out in 2 groups of 45 patients each. Group A contained patients with single-level DS, while group B (control) contained non-DS patients with similar age and degeneration who underwent surgery for disc prolapse or lumbar stenosis. DS was diagnosed based on translation of ≥ 3 mm on standing lateral radiography. Axial magnetic resonance imaging from L3 to S1 was utilized to assess the angulation of facet joints in relation to the coronal plane; a difference of ≥ 8° was considered to indicate tropism. ResultsAmong 45 patients with DS, 15 were males and 30 females. Their mean age was 62.2 years. Facet tropism was identified in 20 of 45 patients at the level of DS, 12 patients at a level proximal to DS, and 15 patients at a level distal to DS. Facet tropism was found in 7 of the 45 patients in group B. At L3–4, facet tropism was observed in 13 patients (28.88%) in group A and 2 (4.44%) in group B. At L4–5, tropism was observed in 19 patients (42.22%) in group A and 5 (11.11%) in group B. At L5–S1, tropism was seen in 17 patients (37.77%) in group A and 2 (4.44%) in group B. Group A showed a significantly higher prevalence of multilevel facet tropism and tropism at levels adjacent to the DS level. A higher average angulation of facet joints was observed in the DS group, but the difference was not statistically significant at all levels. ConclusionThe present study documented a statistically significant relationship between facet tropism and DS. A higher prevalence of facet tropism was also found in DS patients at non-DS levels, which is a novel observation. This finding supports the argument that facet tropism is a pre-existing morphological variation contributing to the development of DS, not a result of secondary remodelling.