Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Research Articles

Standalone Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Without Supplementary Posterior Fixation Is Effective for Treatment of Symptomatic Grade 1 Isthmic Spondylolisthesis.

There is a paucity of data examining anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with pedicle-screw fixation (ALIF-PSF) or without (standalone, sa-ALIF) for the treatment of low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS). Treating pathology with sa-ALIF reduces costs, operative times, and posterior access morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of sa-ALIF for the management of low-grade IS compared with an ALIF-PSF cohort. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Consecutive patients from 1 senior spine surgeon performing sa-ALIF or ALIF-PSF for management of low-grade IS. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were collected at baseline, then postoperatively at 6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and a final follow-up timepoint. Computed tomography was conducted at 6 months, 12 months, or until interbody fusion was confirmed. Two cohorts comprised 51 patients (sa-ALIF 22 and ALIF-PSF 29). Both cohorts' PROMs improved from baseline to 12 months postoperatively. There were no significant differences (P = 0.05) in PROMs between the 2 cohorts at 6 months postoperatively, 12 months postoperatively, or at a final follow-up timepoint. There were no significant differences in mean fusion rates 12 months postoperatively (sa-ALIF 82% and ALIF-PSF 88%). Compared with preoperative measurements in sa-ALIF and ALIF-PSF cohorts, listhesis and segmental lordosis showed no significant changes, while disc height significantly increased (P = 0.0001). There were no significant differences in disc L5/S1 radiographic measurements between the cohorts at 12 months. There were 12 complications (sa-ALIF 2 and ALIF-PSF 10). Only 1 patient in the ALIF-PSF cohort required revision surgery. In appropriately selected patients with normal bone density, sacral slope <40°, and a body mass index <35, sa-ALIF is a safe and effective treatment option for grade I IS. The additional morbidity and cost of PSF may not be justified given the satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes of sa-ALIF for grade I IS. Clinically, this research continues to suggest that sa-ALIF is a safe and effective method of treatment for low grade IS.

P265. Is standalone ALIF a safe and effective treatment for low grade Isthmic spondylolisthesis?

P265. Is standalone ALIF a safe and effective treatment for low grade Isthmic spondylolisthesis?

Standalone anterior lumbar interbody fusion without supplementary posterior fixation is sufficient for treatment of symptomatic low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in appropriately selected patients

Standalone anterior lumbar interbody fusion without supplementary posterior fixation is sufficient for treatment of symptomatic low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in appropriately selected patients

High grade isthmic spondylolisthesis – A case series illustrating three different operative instrumented fusion techniques

Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis most commonly occurs at the L5-S1 level. In adults a high-grade slip degree is rare comprising less than 1% of cases. Progressive axial lumbar backache characterizes the early stage of the disease which over time commonly complicates with the development of a super-imposed L5 radiculopathy. These are difficult cases to manage and the attending spinal surgeon must have an understanding of several different surgical options. These options include conservative treatment in those who are mildly symptomatic, decompression alone with its inherent tendency to facilitate further slip, decompression and fusion without instrumentation, decompression and fusion with instrumentation, and if so the extent of the construct both cranially and caudally. Another important consideration is whether, or not, reduction is necessary or whether fusion in situ will suffice. Regarding the surgical approach some surgeons regard an anterior approach, to perform an anterior release, as necessary if reduction is to be achieved. Others consider nerve root decompression and posterior spinal fusion in situ as the technique of choice. Others advocate a combined anterior and posterior surgical approach.We report a case series of three adult female patients with high grade isthmic spondylolisthesis complicated by L5 nerve root compression. Each patient was successfully managed with a different instrumented fusion technique. Our case series serves to highlight several of the specific surgical nuances pertaining to the management of high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis and as such is valuable to the attending spinal surgeon who may infrequently encounter patient with the high-grade form of this disease.

High grade isthmic spondylolisthesis; can reduction always re-align the unbalanced pelvis?

BackgroundRecently, various studies have reported the importance of distinguishing between balanced and unbalanced SL, sustaining the importance of SL reduction in unbalanced cases. In this study we present our experience in the treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis in young patients, observing the correlation between SL reduction and sagittal correlation between spine and pelvis.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of a series of patients treated surgically for isthmic spondylolisthesis. Inclusion criteria were L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis of III° or IV°, pediatric age, clinical and radiographic follow up of at least 1 year. Radiographic evaluation included the following elements: grade and percentage of listhesis (%L), lumbar lordosis (LL), lumbar-sacral angle (LSA), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT) distinguishing between “balanced” and “unbalanced” patients. Radiographic values were confronted by using Student’s t- test, obtaining a statistically significant difference for values inferior to 0,05.ResultsBased on inclusion criteria, 28 patients were selected for our retrospective analysis, 19 female and 9 male. Mean age at surgery was 15,6 years. Mean follow up was 3 years and 3 months (min. 1 year – max 6 years and 7 months). Spondylolisthesis reduction was statistically significant both in balanced and in unbalanced patients, but pelvic incidence values did not improve significantly. We observed fewer mechanical complications in patients treated with interbody support.ConclusionIn our study, differences between pre-op and post-op spinopelvic alignment values were not statistically significant, even though spondylolisthesis reduction was statistically significant in all cases. Our study could be considered an initial attempt to correlate spinopelvic changes to spondylolisthesis reduction in a progressive manner, and possibly in the future, generate threshold values of reduction for ideal spinopelvic alignment in every different patient.

Does minimally invasive fusion technique influence surgical outcomes in isthmic spondylolisthesis?

Objective: To compare the clinical and radiographic results between open transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF-O) and minimally invasive TLIF (TLIF-M) for single-level low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS).Methods: This study enrolled 45 patients who underwent single-level TLIF with low grade IS. The patients were divided into two groups according to operative method: TLIF-M (20 patients) and TLIF-O (25 patients). TLIF-O group was matched with TLIF-M.Results: At one-year postoperatively, there were no significant differences in any radiologic parameters between the two groups. Perioperative results such as blood loss, operation time, and hospital stay were superior in TLIF-M than in TLIF-O. Fusion was achieved in 17 of 20 patients (85.0%) in TLIF-M and 23 of 25 (92.0%) patients in TLIF-O. Back Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores of TLIF-O were significantly lower than TLIF-M at one (back VAS, ODI) and six months (ODI) postoperatively.Conclusions: TLIF-M and TLIF-O produced similar clinical and radiological outcomes, including reduction of spondylolisthesis and disc space height restoration at one-year follow-up for single-level low grade IS. However, considering perioperative outcomes, back pain, and quality of life, TLIF-M might be a better option for single-level low grade IS compared to TLIF-O.

Posterolateral Fusion versus Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Surgical Treatment of Low-Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Background Data: Surgical treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis includes decompression, fixation and bone fusion. There are different suitable techniques for fusion as (PLF) posterolateral fusion (TLIF) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, (PLIF) posterior lumbar interbody fusion, (ALIF) anterior lumbar interbody fusion but still controversy remains about the best technique.Purpose: To evaluate and compare the surgical results of PLF versus TLIF with pedicle screw fixation in treatment of low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.Study design: A prospective randomized clinical case series.Patients and methods: This study included 40 patients with low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. All patients were surgically treated by posterior decompression, transpedicular screw fixation and bone fusion. Patients were divided into two equal groups according to the type of bone fusion. Group A included 20 patients treated with PLF, and Group B included another 20 patients and were treated with TLIF. We used Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for assess pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to evaluate the functional outcome among our patients. Patients have been followed up for at least six months after surgery.Results: The improvement of VAS of back pain was significantly greater in group B (TLIF) (change 5.25±1.55) than in group A (PLF) (change, 4.4±1.14) (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in improvement of ODI in both groups. Patients with BMI³30 showed that group B experienced more clinical improvement than in group A in the VAS (P=0.021). The operative time in group B (185±24.5 min) was significantly longer than in group A (123.3±19.6 min) (P=0.034). Intraoperative blood loss in group B (584±192.1 ml) was significantly greater than in group A (417±182.4 ml) (P=0.008). The complication rate in group A (30%) was significantly less than in group B (55%) (P= 0.032) but broken screws (hardware failure) were more common in group A (20%) than in group B (0.0%) (P=0.01). The fusion rate in group B (95%) was higher than in group A (75%).Conclusion: Our data suggest that although TLIF is better than PLF in achievement of successful bone fusion and improvement of patient’s symptoms (back pain and sciatica), PLF still considered simple technique with minimal operative blood loss, less operative time and little complications. (2018ESJ162)

Clinical results after surgical treatment in young male patients with low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis

Clinical results after surgical treatment in young male patients with low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis

Treatment of High Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis by Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion with Structural Fibular Allograft

The treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis remains controversial. Although several techniques are commonly used, several variables for each patient need to be considered in the decision making process. In addition to the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms, age, bone quality, slip level, and slip grade, severe slip angles present an increased challenge to many approaches. We describe a reverse Bohlman technique with one anterior-to-posterior transdiscal structural fibular allograft at L5-S1, standard anterior interbody fusion at L4-L5, and a minimally invasive L4-S1 posterolateral spinal fusion with instrumentation from S1 into the L5 vertebral body that we have used successfully to treat a high grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a minimally invasive posterior approach in combination with an anterior reverse Bohlman technique to address high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Radiographic and functional outcome of posterolateral lumbosacral fusion for low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents

We reviewed 34 consecutive patients (18 female-16 male) with isthmic spondylolysis and grade I to II lumbosacral spondylolisthesis who underwent in situ posterolateral arthodesis between the L5 transverse processes and the sacral ala with the use of iliac crest autograft. Ten patients had an associated scoliosis which required surgical correction at a later stage only in two patients with idiopathic curves unrelated to the spondylolisthesis. No patient underwent spinal decompression or instrumentation placement. Mean surgical time was 1.5 hours (1 to 1.8) and intra-operative blood loss 200 ml (150 to 340). There was one wound infection treated with antibiotics but no other complication. Radiological assessment included standing posteroanterior and lateral, Ferguson and lateral flexion/extension views, as well as CT scans. A solid posterolateral fusion was confirmed in all patients at mean latest follow-up of 4.7 years (3.4 to 9.8) beyond skeletal maturity into early adult life. Fusion of the isthmic lesion was documented in nine patients bilaterally and eight patients unilaterally. The poor fusion rate across the spondylolysis has not affected the excellent functional results of the procedure, which in our series depended on achieving a stable lumbosacral junction. Quality of life assessment demonstrated significant improvement in all functional scores and high patient satisfaction with 28 patients returning to previous sports activities at an elite competitive level. Posterolateral arthrodesis in situ with autologous iliac crest bone without instrumentation has achieved a solid fusion between the L5 transverse processes and the sacral ala in patients with grade I to II isthmic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis and this has produced excellent clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

The effects of a global postural reeducation program on an adolescent handball player with isthmic spondylolisthesis

This report describes and evaluates a physical therapy intervention in a 15-year-old male handball player with low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis and associated spinopelvic misalignment (shear–stress type). Upon examination, increased lumbar lordosis, horizontal sacrum and anterior pelvic tilting were mainly associated with altered resting length and extensibility of the iliopsoas, hip adductors and erector spinae muscles. The intervention was directed at improving the muscles resting length and extensibility balance within a global postural alignment perspective (global postural reeducation). After the treatment period, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope and anterior pelvic tilting decreased 17.2°, 16.5° and 15.1° respectively. Global postural reeducation was effective in changing spinopelvic alignment related to low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. This treatment option should be considered as a potential nonsurgical alternative for this condition.

Unilateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for High Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Background Data: Several controversies exist over the most appropriate approach for managing high grade spondylolisthesis; classic interbody fusions (PLIF) are associated with a considerable degree of complications.Purpose: The aim of this work is to determine the safety and efficacy of unilateral TLIF in managing high grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.Study Design: Prospective, randomized, between 2000 and 2008. Patient Sample:44 patients with high grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades III and IV).The mean age was 24y (range 17-38y). All patients had severe back and radicular symptoms that failed to conservative treatment. Eighteen were at L4/5 and 26 atL5/S1. Outcome measures; total blood loss, operative time and hospital stay were recorded. Clinical outcome was assessed by the ODI and VAS. Fusion was assessed using plain radiographs.Methods: Limited decompression and indirect instrumented reduction was performed; 21 had additional unilateral TLIF (Group 1) and 23 had posterolateralfusion using autograft bone (Group 2). Patients were followed-up for an average of 4.5y (range 2-7y).Results: The average Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analogue Scale showed better improvement in group 1 than group 2. In group 1 anterolisthesis improved from an average of 69% to 16% while in Group 2 it improved from an average of 64% to 19% at final follow up. Other parameters including improvement in disc space height, lumbar lordosis and angle of slip showed better improvement in group 1 than group 2. None in Group 1 had an implant failure and its overall fusion rate was 94%. In Group 2, the average operative time, blood loss and hospital stay were significantly less but two patients had implant failure requiring revision and the overall complications were 6/23 patients.Conclusion: Direct instrumented reduction and TLIF is an efficient option to treat high grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. It provided immediate stability and superior clinical and radiological outcomes.(2012ESJ005)

Surgical management of low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis; a randomized controlled study of the surgical fixation with and without reduction

Backgroundspondylolisthesis is a condition in which a vertebra slips out of the proper position onto the bone below it as a result of pars interarticularis defect. The slipped segment produces abnormal positioning of the vertebrae in relation to each other along the spinal column and causes mechanical back pain and neural breach.Materials and methodsA randomized and double blinded study consisted of 41 patients aged 36-69 years (18 females and 28 males) treated for symptomatic spondylolisthesis between December,2006 and December, 2009. All patients were randomly distributed into two groups I and II. Twenty patients were in Group I; they underwent reduction of the slipped vertebrae by using Reduction-Screw Technique and posterior lumbar interbody fixation (PLIF). Group II consisted of twenty one patients who underwent only surgical fixation (PLIF) without reduction. All patients in this study had same pre and post operative management.Resultsonly one case had broken rod in group I that required revision. Superficial wound infection was experienced in two patients and one patient, from group II, developed wound hematoma. The outcome in both groups was variable on the short term but was almost the same on the long term follow up.Conclusionsurgical management of symptomatic low grade spondylolisthesis should include neural decompression and surgical fixation. Reduction of slipped vertebral bodies is unnecessary as the ultimate outcome will be likely similar.

Fueling the debate: Are outcomes better after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) or after posterolateral fusion (PLF) in adult patients with low-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis?

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.Clinical question: Do more adult patients affected by low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis have significant clinical and radiological improvement following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) than those who receive posterolateral fusion (PLF)?Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients affected by adult low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis, treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion or posterolateral fusion, were reviewed. Clinical outcome was assessed by means of the questionnaires ODI, RMDQ and VAS. Radiographic evaluation included CT, MRI, and x-rays. The results were analyzed using the Student t-test.Results: The two groups were similar with respect to demographic and surgical characteristics. At an average follow-up of 62.1 months, 71 patients were completely reviewed. Mean ODI, RMDQ and VAS scores didn't show statistically significant differences. Fusion rate was similar between the two groups (97% in PLIF group, 95% in PLF group). Major complications occurred in 5 of 71 patients reviewed (7%): one in the PLIF group (3.6%), four in the PLF group (9.3%). Pseudarthrosis occurred in one case in the PLIF group (3,6%) and in two cases in PLF group (4.6%).Conclusions: In our series, there does not appear to be a clear advantage of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) over posterolateral fusion (PLF) in terms of clinical and radiological outcome for treatment of adult low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Surgical Treatment of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis with Radicular Pain in Adults

A common consensus has not yet been reached on surgical management of isthmic Spondylolisthesis especially regarding the optimal surgical procedure. This prospective study was carried to see the outcome of Posterolateral fusion with instrumentation without decompression. Eight consecutive patients, aged between 43 to 55 years, underwent primary surgery for isolated L4, L5 lumbar isthmic Spondylolisthesis of less than grade II that presented with radicular pain and exhibited instability on dynamic radiograph. The surgical procedure consisted of instrumentation with pedicle screws and rods (Moss Miami System) and posterolateral fusion in situ by placement of autogeneous bone graft, harvested from posterior iliac crest. Postoperatively Clinical and Radiological status were assessed and were graded according to Stauffer and Coventry method. The patients were followed up for one to three years. Radiological evidence of fusion was clearly evident by six months in all cases. Symptomatically all were relieved of radicular pain completely. One patient had recurrent backache due to causes unrelated to the illness of surgical procedure requiring occasional analgesic. No serious complication was encountered. This lead to conclusion that in adults of our population with low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis and radicular pain Instrumentation with Posterolateral fusion without decompression was sufficient to relieve symptoms.

Transpedicular Fixation for the Treatment of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis in Adults

This study analyzed the fusion rate and clinical success rate in adult patients undergoing surgical treatment for symptomatic, low grade, isthmic spondylolisthesis. A postoperative questionnaire and grading scale were used to judge clinical success. Successful fusion was judged using radiographic criteria. To evaluate the clinical success and fusion success in a group of adult patients undergoing instrumented posterolateral arthrodesis for symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis. Seventeen consecutive adult patients with symptomatic low grade isthmic spondylolisthesis underwent the identical surgical procedure consisting of Gill laminectomy, L5 nerve root decompression, Luque pedicle-screw plate instrumentation, and posterolateral arthrodesis at L5-S1 using autogenous iliac crest bone graft. Results were analyzed at an average 30-month follow-up. An independent observer reviewed the results using a postoperative questionnaire to determine rates of return to work, symptom relief, and analgesic medication usage. Radiographs were evaluated to determine the fusion status. Seventeen patients were evaluated at an average of 30 months after the index procedure. Sixteen of 17 had solid fusions using radiographic criteria. Sixteen of 17 had satisfactory clinical results. Eight of 13 (62%) employed patients, including three of six patients with worker's compensation, returned to their usual jobs. An instrumented posterolateral arthrodesis in combination with a Gill procedure and L5 nerve root decompression results in a high rate of fusion, satisfactory clinical success, and a high rate of return to work.