High-grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Research Articles

Expert’s comment concerning Grand Rounds case entitled “Minimal access bilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis” (by Nasir A. Quraishi and Y. Raja Rampersaud; doi:10.1007/s00586-012-2623-2)

This Expert's Comment discusses the Grand Rounds Case entitled "Minimal Access Bilateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for High-Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis" by Nasir A Quraishi and Raja Y Rampersaud. It puts a technically elegant surgical method for minimally invasive reduction and arthrodesis of isthmic spondylolistheses into the context of short and long term outcomes and questions the motivations for performing such minimally invasive procedures in the absence of any proven mid or long term advantages over more traditional techniques. In addition, the use of BMP in spinal arthrodesis is discussed on the background of recently published IPD metaanalyses from the Infuse spinal FDA trials.

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)

The Evolution of the Surgical Treatment of High-Grade Adolescent Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Successes and Failures. A Single Center 50-Year Experience

The Evolution of the Surgical Treatment of High-Grade Adolescent Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Successes and Failures. A Single Center 50-Year Experience

Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes After Instrumented Reduction and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion of Mid and High-grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Retrospective cohort study. The objective of this study is to document and review the surgical technique and the clinical and radiographic outcomes after instrumented reduction and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion of mid and high-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis. Although high-grade slips make up a distinct minority of all patients afflicted with spondylolisthesis, approximately 2% in most series, the treatment of this small cohort of patients has been the topic of on going, and often heated debate. Recently, there has been a trend in the literature toward the combination of instrumented posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and interbody fusion with or without reduction. Although spine surgeons have used this procedure as a tool to treat patient's with spondylolisthesis of any cause, there is no report in the literature describing the results of neural element decompression, transforaminal interbody fusion (TLIF) reduction, and instrumented PSF of the listhetic vertebrae in the treatment of high and mid-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. From 1999 to 2003, 13 patients with mid and high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades II, III, or IV) who failed conservative treatment were treated by posterior lumbar decompression, TLIF at the disk space of the level of the slip, instrumented PSF, and reduction of the listhetic vertebrae. Standing lumbar radiographs were taken preoperatively, at the time of the initial postoperative visit and at regular intervals thereafter. Several radiographic parameters were noted including degree of anterolisthesis, slip angle, sacral inclination, and disk height. Statistical comparisons were made with 2-tailed paired t tests. The average anterolisthesis, normalized to the superior endplate diameter, was 51.0%+/-16.6% preoperatively, 13.2%+/-11.8% immediately postoperative, and 17.0%+/-12.6% at final follow-up (Table 1). Of the 10 patients with sufficient radiographic follow-up, all but one had radiographic evidence of solid bony union at the time of final radiographic examination. Follow-up averaged 21.5 months and ranged from 11 to 48 months. This study represents a unified approach to the solitary diagnosis of mid and high-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis, adding further information to the growing body of literature for the TLIF procedure.

Transvertebral Transsacral Strut Grafting for High-grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis L5-S1 With Fibular Allograft

A clinical retrospective study was conducted. To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 25 consecutive patients with symptomatic high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 treated by decompression and transvertebral, transsacral strut grafting with fibular allograft. Symptomatic high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis serves as a challenging clinical problem. Traditional treatment by in situ posterolateral arthrodesis has been associated with pseudarthrosis rates up to 50%. Even with successful posterolateral fusion, the graft is in an unfavorable biomechanical environment, owing to it being under tension, which can allow for progression of lumbosacral kyphosis (slip angle) and sagittal translation (slip). Open reduction of spondylolisthesis improves the biomechanical situation by allowing a trapezoidal interbody graft at L5-S1, but is associated with neurologic deficits in up to 30% of patients. The technique used in this particular study achieves the biomechanical goal of a structural interbody construct without the necessity of anatomically reducing the translational slip. The fibular strut grafts were placed through an anterior approach as part of an anterior/posterior procedure, or via a posterior approach as part of a posterior-only procedure. A consecutive series of 25 symptomatic patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 had an average age of 29.8 years. Six patients were 16 years or younger. Eight patients underwent a posterior-only approach with posterior transosseous fibular strut grafting across S1 into the L5 vertebral body combined with posterolateral arthrodesis L4-S1 using a pedicle screw-rod construct. Seventeen patients underwent a combined anterior/posterior approach with transosseous fibular allograft strut grafting at L5-S1 and L4-L5 interbody arthrodesis using a femoral ring allograft supplemented with L4-S1 posterior pedicle screw-rod instrumentation. No reduction attempts were performed, other than those occurring spontaneously by patient positioning and decompression. Patients were evaluated for clinical improvement and radiographically. Clinical outcomes were measured with the scoliosis research society outcome instrument. Radiographs were followed for arthrodesis, translation, and slip angle. Mean follow-up was 39 months (range, 30 to 71 mo). All patients preoperatively had a grade III to V slip using the Meyerding classification (mean 3.7). The slip angle averaged 37 degrees. The postoperative mean slip grade was 3.5 compared with 3.7 preoperatively (no significant difference). The mean slip angle improved to 27 degrees (8 to 40 degrees) postoperatively from 37 degrees (13 to 51 degrees) preoperatively (P<0.05). All patients went on to a stable arthrodesis, with no progression in slip or slip angle. There were no permanent neurologic deficits among any of the subjects, and all patients demonstrated improvement in their preoperative gait disturbance. Scoliosis research society functional outcome score showed 24/25 extremely satisfied or somewhat satisfied at latest follow-up. Treatment by this method showed improvement in lumbosacral kyphosis while avoiding the neurologic injury risk associated with open slip-reduction maneuvers. Despite no reduction in translational deformity, this technique offers excellent fusion results, good clinical outcomes, and prevents further sagittal translation and lumbosacral kyphosis progression.

Uninstrumented in Situ Fusion for High-Grade Childhood and Adolescent Isthmic Spondylolisthesis: Long-Term Outcome

Intermediate-term radiographic studies have shown that anterior and circumferential techniques result in high fusion rates in patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis, whereas posterolateral fusion is less successful. We are not aware of any long-term comparative studies in which these three methods have been evaluated with regard to functional outcome, including systematic spinal mobility and trunk strength measurements. Sixty-nine of eighty-three consecutive patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent posterolateral (twenty-one), anterior (twenty-three), or circumferential (twenty-five) uninstrumented spondylodesis between 1977 and 1991 participated in the study. The average duration of follow-up was 17.2 years. Radiographs that were made preoperatively and at the time of the most recent follow-up were assessed with regard to fusion quality and degenerative changes. Outcome was assessed at the time of the most recent follow-up by independent observers on the basis of a physical examination, spinal mobility and nondynamometric trunk strength measurements, and Oswestry Disability Index scores. The mean preoperative vertebral slip was 61% in the posterolateral fusion group, 63% in the anterior fusion group, and 71% in the circumferential fusion group. The final fusion rate was 86% (eighteen of twenty-one) in the posterolateral fusion group, 100% (twenty-three of twenty-three) in the anterior fusion group, and 96% (twenty-four of twenty-five) in the circumferential fusion group. A decrease in lumbar intervertebral disc height at the first mobile level superior to the fusion was noted in five patients in the posterolateral fusion group, seven patients in the anterior fusion group, and one patient in the circumferential fusion group (p = 0.037). The mean Oswestry Disability Index score was 9.7 for the posterolateral fusion group, 8.9 for the anterior fusion group, and 3.0 for the circumferential fusion group (p = 0.035). Nondynamometric trunk strength measurements corresponded with referential values. Abnormally low lumbar flexion affected the posterolateral and circumferential fusion groups more often than the anterior fusion group (p = 0.0015). The percentage of slip showed inverse correlations with lumbar flexion, lumbar extension, and trunk side-bending. As assessed on the basis of patient-based outcomes, circumferential in situ fusion provided slightly better long-term results than did posterolateral or anterior in situ fusion. When the radiographic and functional results were combined with the patient-based outcomes, the overall differences between the three groups were small.

Uninstrumented In Situ Fusion for High-Grade Childhood and Adolescent Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Intermediate-term radiographic studies have shown that anterior and circumferential techniques result in high fusion rates in patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis, whereas posterolateral fusion is less successful. We are not aware of any long-term comparative studies in which these three methods have been evaluated with regard to functional outcome, including systematic spinal mobility and trunk strength measurements. Sixty-nine of eighty-three consecutive patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis who underwent posterolateral (twenty-one), anterior (twenty-three), or circumferential (twenty-five) uninstrumented spondylodesis between 1977 and 1991 participated in the study. The average duration of follow-up was 17.2 years. Radiographs that were made preoperatively and at the time of the most recent follow-up were assessed with regard to fusion quality and degenerative changes. Outcome was assessed at the time of the most recent follow-up by independent observers on the basis of a physical examination, spinal mobility and nondynamometric trunk strength measurements, and Oswestry Disability Index scores. The mean preoperative vertebral slip was 61% in the posterolateral fusion group, 63% in the anterior fusion group, and 71% in the circumferential fusion group. The final fusion rate was 86% (eighteen of twenty-one) in the posterolateral fusion group, 100% (twenty-three of twenty-three) in the anterior fusion group, and 96% (twenty-four of twenty-five) in the circumferential fusion group. A decrease in lumbar intervertebral disc height at the first mobile level superior to the fusion was noted in five patients in the posterolateral fusion group, seven patients in the anterior fusion group, and one patient in the circumferential fusion group (p = 0.037). The mean Oswestry Disability Index score was 9.7 for the posterolateral fusion group, 8.9 for the anterior fusion group, and 3.0 for the circumferential fusion group (p = 0.035). Nondynamometric trunk strength measurements corresponded with referential values. Abnormally low lumbar flexion affected the posterolateral and circumferential fusion groups more often than the anterior fusion group (p = 0.0015). The percentage of slip showed inverse correlations with lumbar flexion, lumbar extension, and trunk side-bending. As assessed on the basis of patient-based outcomes, circumferential in situ fusion provided slightly better long-term results than did posterolateral or anterior in situ fusion. When the radiographic and functional results were combined with the patient-based outcomes, the overall differences between the three groups were small.

Jackson's intrasacral fixation in the management of high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis

The aim of this study is to describe a surgical procedure proposed for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis, with intraoperative reduction using Jackson's intrasacral fixation. The procedure is performed using a single posterior approach. The intraoperative correction of the deformity is obtained by sacral dome resection and reduction of the lumbosacral kyphosis using Jackson's fixation to rotate the sacrum. After sagittal balance restoration, L4-S1 circumferential fusion is performed with interbody cages. The technique is effective in the restoration of spinal and pelvic parameters of sagittal balance, and optimal conditions for fusion are obtained. The use of Jackson's intrasacral fixation provides the strong stability needed to correct the lumbosacral deformity, with little neurological risk during intraoperative reduction.

Long-term Outcome After Posterolateral, Anterior, and Circumferential Fusion for High-Grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis in Children and Adolescents

A cross-sectional study to evaluate the long-term result of posterolateral (PLF), anterior (AF), and circumferential fusion (CF) for isthmic spondylolisthesis. To assess the long-term effects of PLF, AF, or CF for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis on lumbar spine in children and adolescents by using MRI. Short- and mid-term clinical and plain radiographic results of isthmic spondylolisthesis and of PLF, AF, and CF in severe slip are well documented. The long-term effect of the fusion on soft tissues, on the intervertebral discs inside and above fusion in particular, is, however, unclear. Between 1977 and 1991, PLF (n = 21), AF (n = 22), or CF (n = 24) was performed on 67 patients (42 females, 25 males) with high-grade (slip > or =50%) isthmic spondylolisthesis. The average age of patients at the time of operation was 14.4 (range, 8.9-19.6) years. Clinical, spinal mobility and trunk strength in addition to MRI and plain radiograph examinations were performed on these patients after an average follow-up time of 17.3 years (range, 10.7-26.0 years). Three (14%) patients in the PLF and AF groups, but none in the CF group, reported back pain often or very often at rest. The mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was 9.7 (range, 0-62) in the PLF, 8.1 (0-32) in the AF, and 2.3 (0-14) in the CF group (P < 0.05). The mean slip before surgery was 66% (range, 50%-100%) and at the last follow-up visit 66% (range, 26%-106%). Disc degeneration was most common in the PLF group (P = 0.0014) and inside the fusion and in the lowest moving intervertebral disc spaces in all subgroups. Only 1 patient had an asymptomatic prolapse. In MR images, none of the patients had lumbar central canal stenosis inside or above the fusion. In contrast, the spinal canal was wide at the spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis level in 23 (34%) patients. Of the patients, 19 (28%) patients (32 neural foramens) had severe narrowing of the neural foramen with impingement of the nerve root. No patients had clinically confirmed L5 nerve root symptoms. Muscle degeneration was found in 29 (43%) of patients. Longer fusion and muscle degeneration, but not disc degeneration, were associated with lower performance in spinal mobility and trunk-strength measurement tests. The clinical outcome was best in the CF group as measured by ODI. Degenerative changes were most commonly found at the level of the slip and above the fusion level. The prevalence of disc prolapses was low. Spinal fusion for isthmic spondylolysis is not associated with central canal stenosis above the fusion. Radiologic nerve root stenosis was common but asymptomatic. Mild muscle atrophy was common.

Posterolateral, Anterior, or Circumferential Fusion In Situ for High-Grade Spondylolisthesis in Young Patients: A Long-Term Evaluation Using The Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire

A retrospective, comparative follow-up study. To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes after posterolateral, anterior, or circumferential fusion in situ for high-grade spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents. Controversial opinions still exist about the surgical treatment of severe isthmic spondylolisthesis. There are no long-term comparative studies of different fusion in situ techniques in these patients. A total of 21 patients treated using posterolateral, 23 using anterior, and 26 using the circumferential fusion technique without instrumentation for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (>or=50% slip) participated. Their mean age at surgery was 14.4 years (range 8.0-19.6). The follow-up rate was 84% after a mean of 17.2 years (range 10.7-26.0). Radiographs were obtained before surgery, at 2-year follow-up, and at final follow-up. The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) and Oswestry Disability Index questionnaires were completed, and a physical examination was performed at the final follow-up visit. Progression of lumbosacral kyphosis (>or=10 degrees ) was found in 9 (43%), 3 (13%), and 3 (12%) patients of the posterolateral, anterior, and circumferential fusion groups, respectively (P = 0.017). The SRS total score averaged 89.7 (range 56-105) in the posterolateral, 93.2 (range 66-114) in the anterior, and 100.0 (range 71-117) in the circumferential fusion groups (P = 0.021). Patients in the circumferential fusion group had better values for pain (P = 0.023) and function from back condition domains (P = 0.079) than patients in the posterolateral or anterior groups. The Oswestry Disability Index averaged 9.7 (range 0-62) in the posterolateral, 8.9 (range 0-32) in the anterior, and 3.0 (range 0-16) in the circumferential fusion groups (P = 0.035). Circumferential fusion provided significantly better long-term clinical, radiographic, and SRS total score than posterolateral or anterior fusion for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Problems in Reduction of High-Grade Spondylolisthesis

There has been discussion about surgical strategies for treatment of high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis(grade III or IV). Reduction is combined unnecessary by many authors because of the reliability of in situ fusion. However, some investigator have stated a need for reduction is not only restoration of normal spinal alignment and biomechanics; A reduced position is believed to enhance fusion, relieve neurological abnormalities and pain, and improve the cosmetic appearance. Many different techniques have been developed for reduction of spondylolisthesis after Jenkin’s initial description in 1936. The techniques include halofemoral traction, cast reduction, instrumentation, L5 corpectomy, and the combined anterior and posterior approach. Recently, newly developed pedicular instrumentation was widely used to reduce high-grade spondylolisthesis and had high fusion rates. But these instrumentations cannot prevent complications such as nerve root lesions due to the traction on the L5 root during reduction. Anyway, there is much controversy about the most effective surgical treatment option for highgrade isthmic spondylolisthesis. As well symptoms may vary depending the age of patient. Surgical decision making and preoperative planning need to address not only the anatomic deformity but also the symptoms complex as manifested by the predominance of either back pain and/or radicular symptoms. However, the patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis are very limited in Korea. Therefore, the best reliable reduction method for high-grade spondylolisthesis remains a challenging procedure, requiring great surgical attention to detail.