High-grade L5-S1 Spondylolisthesis Research Articles

Sacrolumbar Interbody Fusion (SLIF): Feasibility, Technical Nuances, Biomechanical Assessment, and Clinical Outcomes.

S1-L5 transdiscal screw fixation is a direct stabilization technique used for surgical treatment of high-grade (III-IV) L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. It has not been used for nonspondylolisthetic cases or in combination with an interbody cage (IC). This study aimed to develop a novel, direct S1-L5 sacrolumbar interbody fusion (SLIF) technique, a combination of IC and sacrolumbar transdiscal screw. SLIF was tested in cadaveric, clinical, and finite element analysis settings. Three cadaveric lumbar spines were used to test the SLIF procedure before clinical application. Eight patients underwent the SLIF procedure. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by visual analog score for leg and back pain, short form 36, Oswestry disability index, and neurological examination. CT scans of the lumbar spine were used to assess the hardware placement and subsequent fusion. Finite element analysis was performed on a healthy human CT-based L5-S1 model. Intact segment, unilateral facetectomy and discectomy, SLIF, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures were compared in terms of the range of motion (ROM), von Mises stress on hardware, and shear-induced directional deformity. Additionally, the same set of tests were conducted in an osteoporotic model. Excellent hardware placement was feasible in three cadavers and eight patients. Preoperative neurological deficits improved in all patients. Statistically significant improvements were obtained on all self-reported questionnaire scores. All patients developed solid, Bridwell grade I fusions. Biomechanical testing revealed similar outcomes for TLIF and SLIF regarding the ROM. However, the screw's von Mises stress and shear-induced directional deformity were low for SLIF of healthy and osteoporotic bone. SLIF is a feasible, safe, and effective L5-S1 fusion option suitable for all clinical scenarios. It provides several biomechanical advantages, yielding excellent clinical outcomes.

High-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis with lumbosacral kyphosis: Long-term results of non-instrumented circumferential arthrodesis in children, adolescents

IntroductionThe choice of surgical technique for high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) associated with lumbosacral kyphosis remains controversial. Are non-instrumented techniques still relevant, what with the multiplicity and modernity of patient-specific instrumentation? HypothesisOur hypothesis was that a non-instrumented circumferential arthrodesis performed after a period of gradual reduction of HGS, associated with lumbosacral kyphosis, provided satisfactory long-term functional and radiographic results in children and adolescents while minimizing the risk of complications. Materials and methodsThirty-one L5-S1 HGS associated with a lumbosacral kyphosis operated by non-instrumented circumferential arthrodesis after a period of traction and suspension were included in our study. The first stage of this technique consisted of a gradual reduction using traction followed by immobilization in the corrected position. The second stage involved a posterior, followed by an anterior, surgical procedure and a spica cast immobilization for 4 months. The mean age at surgery was 13.9±2.3 years (6–18) and the mean follow-up was 10.3±4.5 years (2.1–17.8). ResultsThe overall complication rate was 26% (n=8/31): 13% neurologic complications, 10% bone fusion defects and 3% skin complications. The reoperation rate was 13% (n=4/31). The mean ODI (/50) was 3±4.6 (0–22) and the SRS-30 126.7±15 (72–143). The Taillard index decreased by 25% (p<.001) and remained stable throughout the follow-up period (p=.65). The lumbosacral angle was corrected by 13.5% (p=.03) and the correction was maintained throughout the follow-up period (p=.71). At the last follow-up, the lumbosacral angle was significantly correlated with a low ODI score and a high SRS-30 score (p<.05). ConclusionEven though this technique achieved a smaller reduction of the lumbosacral angle, it reduced by at least a factor of three the incidence of neurologic complications and resulted in satisfactory functional outcomes when compared to instrumented and intraoperative correction series. Level of evidenceIV.

HIGH GRADE DYSPLASTIC SPONDYLOLISTHESIS IN AN 11 YEAR OLD GIRL CHILD - A CASE REPORT

High-Dysplastic Developmental Spondylolisthesis (HDDS) is an extremely rare situation, comprising of around 5% of the total cases of spondylolisthesis. Clinical Description :- A eleven year-old girl with high-grade dysplastic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis with pain in her lower back along with radicular pain to her lower limbs (right &gt; left). Her X-rays depicted a L5 - S1 anterolisthesis leading to an abnormal kyphosis at lumbo-sacral junction, increased lumbar lordosis and reversal of thoracic kyphosis to lordosis. Management:- A was done along with a cage insertion at the L5 - S1 level. L5 - S1 posterior - spinal fixation Outcome:- Postural correction was achieved immediately post-op and the patient also had relief from the radicular symptoms.

L5 Radiculopathy After Formal Reduction of High-Grade SDSG Type 5 and 6 L5-S1 Isthmic Spondylolisthesis with 2-Year Follow-Up.

Surgery is the main treatment for patients with high-grade L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis, which can result in neurologic complications, but little is known about its clinical course. The present study evaluated the presence of L5 radiculopathy in high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis in adults in pre- and postoperative periods and after a 2-year follow-up. A series of 16 patients who underwent reduction and instrumented fusion for high-grade 5 and 6 spondylolisthesis between 2018 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated in the pre- and postoperative periods as well as after 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 and 2 years of follow-up. Clinical and surgical data on possible neurological complications of L5 radiculopathy were prospectively collected. The age was 20.1 ± 12.0 years, and preoperative L5-S1 slip was 89.0%. Five patients presented motor deficit in the preoperative period. In the immediate postoperative period, 9 patients (56%) experienced motor deficits or worsening of the preoperative condition. At the 6-week follow-up, only 1 patient showed resolution of the motor deficit. Three patients presented healed motor deficits after 3 months, and 1 patient demonstrated a healed L5 motor radiculopathy after 6 months. At the 1-year follow-up, only 1 patient exhibited an L5 radiculopathy motor deficit, and at the 2-year follow-up, none of the patients exhibited an L5 radiculopathy motor deficit. L5 radiculopathy was frequent in the preoperative period and increased after reduction and instrumented fusion of high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis in the postoperative period and in the 6-week follow-up. Three and 6 months after the surgery, there were consecutive motor improvements. After 2 years of follow-up, no patients showed neurological deficit of L5 radiculopathy. 2. This is the first study reporting a reduction in complications of L5 neurological motor deficit over a 2-year follow-up in high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis in young adults.

A comparative study of L4-L5-S1 and L5-S1 vertebral fusion in high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis.

Introduction:One of the most common types of spinal diseases is spondylolisthesis, which in advanced cases requires surgical intervention. This study aimed to compare the results of L4-L5-S1 and L5-S1 vertebral fusion treatment in high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis.Methods:A study design that randomized controlled trial. A total of 70 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of spondylolisthesis at Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, were evaluated from July 2020 to February 2021 (35 patients underwent L4-L5-S1 and 35 received L5-S1 vertebral fusion treatment). The radicular and low back pain (LBP) intensity (Vanguard Australian Shares), blood loss, wound infection, reduction, and quality of life (SF-12 scores) were quantified before the surgery, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery in two groups.Results:Patients involved in the two groups had similar baseline demographic characteristics. The percent slip in L4-L5-S1 and L5-S1 group, respectively, postoperative 81.11% and 57.89%, P = 0.0001. Intraoperative blood loss and postoperative were higher in the L4-L5-S1 group when compared to the L5-S1 group (P < 0.05). The wound infection rate of the L4-L5-S1 group was similar to that of the L5-S1 group (8.6% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.303). There was no difference in radicular and LBP intensity, SF-12 scores among patients with L4-L5-S1 and L5-S1 groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Both L4-L5-S1 and L5-S1 were equally beneficial in improving short-term functional outcomes for patients with high grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. However, L4-L5-S1 was associated with statistically significant higher incidences of blood loss, but it was accompanied by a better reduction. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering L4-L5-S1.

S1 Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy for Fixed Sagittal Imbalance and Lumbosacral Kyphosis

S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomies (PSOs) are indicated in patients with fixed, high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis or kyphosis secondary to a sacral fracture, who present with severe sagittal imbalance. Unlike lumbar PSOs, sacral osteotomies are rare, and there is a paucity of literature outlining techniques. Here, we present the indications, planning, technique, and outcomes for S1 PSOs.

Transdiscal screw versus pedicle screw fixation for high-grade L5-S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis in patients younger than 60years: a case-control study.

To compare outcomes between transdiscal and conventional pedicle fixation for high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. This was a retrospective case-control study with patients prospectively followed. Twenty-five consecutive patients with mean age of 36.7years underwent transdiscal fixation, and 31 other with mean age of 42.0years to pedicle fixation were clinically and radiographically compared. Clinical assessments were performed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Core Outcomes Measures Index (COMI), Short-Form 12 (SF-12), and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographic spinopelvic parameters were also evaluated. The mean follow-up was 2.7years (range 2.0-5.3). Preoperative data were comparable between groups. Surgery time, blood loss, and hospital stay were similar between groups. At last follow-up, clinical and radiographic outcomes were significantly improved in both groups. Postoperatively, both lumbar and leg pain VAS were similar between groups, but ODI (20.2 vs. 31.6, p=0.010), COMI (1.6 vs. 2.8, p=0.012), and SF-12 physical (84.3 vs. 61.5, p=0.004) and mental (81.5 vs. 69.4, p=0.021) scores were significantly better in the transdiscal group. The neurologic complication rate was similar in both groups. There were 4 pseudoarthroses in the pedicle group, and none in the transdiscal group. L5-S1 transdiscal screw fixation provided better functional and radiographic outcomes at medium-term than conventional pedicle fixation for high-grade spondylolisthesis, although transdiscal sacral screws are difficult to place in correct position.

Reduction and fusion in high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis by a single posterior approach. Results in 50 patients

IntroductionTreatment strategies in high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis are controversial. Reduction of slippage, correction of lumbosacral kyphosis and the necessity of a complementary anterior approach are debated in the literature. The present study reports clinical and radiological outcome for reduction and instrumented fusion on a single posterior approach. Material and methodA retrospective study included all consecutive adolescent and young adult patients operated on by a single surgeon (D.C.) for high-grade (Meyerding 3-4-5) L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. The technique consisted in reduction of lumbosacral kyphosis and posterolateral fusion on a single posterior approach without resection of the sacral dome or complementary anterior approach. Only cases of adult ptosis required impacted tibial interbody graft. Clinical complications, radiologic lumbopelvic results and sagittal balance were analyzed at last follow-up. ResultsFifty patients, with a mean age at surgery of 21±11 years, were followed up for a mean 5.5±4.6 years. Mean lumbosacral angle was reduced by 25° (from 76° to 101°; P<0.05), and mean listhesis grade by >50% (from 75% to 23%; P<0.0001), without correction loss at last follow-up. C7 sagittal offset was corrected (from 8° to 4°; P<0.05), with harmonization of lumbar (from 57° to 64°; P<0.001) and thoracic curvature (from 37° to 44°; P=0.1). Seventeen patients (34%) showed postoperative radicular deficit, without sequelae at last follow-up. There were no cauda equina lesions. Bone fusion was achieved in 42 patients (84%), in the same surgical step. After revision by complementary interbody graft, there was no residual non-union. ConclusionSurgery on a single posterior approach gave reliable results in high-grade spondylolisthesis in adolescents and young adults. The technique is not however, free of risk (transient neurologic deficit and non-union), and patients should be forewarned. Complementary interbody graft can be reserved to adult ptosis with incomplete reduction of lumbosacral kyphosis and to revision surgery for non-union. Level of evidenceIV, retrospective study.

Traumatic high-grade L5–S1 spondylolisthesis with vertebral physeal injury

Traumatic high-grade L5–S1 spondylolisthesis with vertebral physeal injury

A Novel Minimally Invasive Technique for the Treatment of High-grade Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Using a Posterior Transsacral Rod

Case report of 3 patients with high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis treated using a novel minimally invasive technique using a posterior transsacral rod. To assess the efficacy, safety, and advantages of this approach in the treatment of high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. Surgical treatment of high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis at the L5-S1 level is technically demanding. The most commonly used procedure is posterior spinal fusion. In this report, we present a new minimally invasive technique for the treatment high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis in 3 patients with sagittally balanced spines. Three patients with high-grade L5-S1 spondylolisthesis underwent L4-S1 fusion with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation supplemented with a transsacral rod implanted through a tubular retractor. We report technical details, clinical, and radiologic results at follow-up. All 3 patients suffered from grade 3 or 4 L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. All patients had neutral sagittal balance on preoperative imaging. There were no postoperative complications and all 3 patients were discharged within 48 hours. At final follow-up (range, 13-18 mo), all patients were pain free off all narcotic pain medication and fusion was observed in all 3 patients. We have shown the technical feasibility of anterior and posterior fusion for severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis using a minimally invasive percutaneous technique through a transsacral approach. The main advantage of a posterior transsacral axial rod fixation is that it creates a structurally sound anterior column support, thus eliminating the problems related to bone grafts and eliminating the complications associated with an anterior approach. Our preliminary results suggest that this technique is feasible and seems to be associated with favorable outcome, although larger studies are warranted to verify these findings.

Surgical treatment of high-dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis in a child: A case report

Introduction: High-dysplastic developmental spondylolisthesis (HDDs) is extremely rare, comprising 5% of the total cases of spondylolisthesis. It can remain asymptomatic for a long time and can progress to a more severe grade of olisthesis and spondyloptosis. Opinions regarding the surgical management of highgrade dysplastic spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents still remain conflicting and controversial. case report: this case describes a 12-year-old girl with high-grade dysplastic L5-s1 spondylolisthesis with instability pain, managed with uninstrumented in situ circumferential fusion. the patient showed excellent clinical, functional and radiological outcomes at follow-up of 48th month. since, plain radiographs and conventional computed tomography (ct) scan failed to show convincing anterior intercorporal fusion, we did fusion analysis with a multi-slice helical tomography scan with multiplanar reconstruction. the reconstructed multiplanar images defined a good posterolateral and anterior intercorporal

Placement of thoracic transvertebral pedicle screws using 3D image guidance

Object Transvertebral pedicle screws have successfully been used in the treatment of high-grade L5–S1 spondylolisthesis. An advantage of transvertebral pedicle screws is the purchase of multiple cortical layers across 2 vertebrae, thereby increasing the stability of the construct. At the lumbosacral junction, transvertebral pedicle screws have been shown to be biomechanically superior to pedicle screws placed in the standard fashion. The use of transvertebral pedicle screws at spinal levels other than L5–S1 has not been reported in the literature. The authors describe their technique of transvertebral pedicle screw placement in the thoracic spine using 3D image guidance. Methods Twelve patients undergoing cervicothoracic or thoracolumbar fusion had 41 thoracic transvertebral pedicle screws placed across 26 spinal levels using this technique. Indications for placement of thoracic transvertebral pedicle screws in earlier cases included osteoporosis and pedicle screw salvage. However, in subsequent cases screws were placed in patients undergoing multilevel thoracolumbar fusion without osteoporosis, particularly near the top of the construct. Image guidance in this study was accomplished using the Medtronic StealthStation S7 image guidance system used in conjunction with the O-arm. All patients were slated to undergo postoperative CT scanning at approximately 4–6 months for fusion assessment, which also allowed for grading of the transvertebral pedicle screws. Results No thoracic transvertebral pedicle screw placed in this study had to be replaced or repositioned after intraoperative review of the cone beam CT scans. Review of the postoperative CT scans revealed all transvertebral screws to be across the superior disc space with the tips in the superior vertebral body. Six pedicle screws were placed using the in-out-in technique in patients with narrow pedicles, leaving 35 screws that underwent breach analysis. No pedicle breach was noted in 34 of 35 screws. A Grade 1 (&lt; 2 mm) medial breach was noted in 1 screw without clinical consequence. Solid fusion was observed across 25 of 26 spinal levels that underwent transvertebral screw placement including 7 spinal levels located at the top of a multilevel construct. Conclusions This report describes the authors' initial in vivo experience with the 3D image-guided placement of 41 thoracic transvertebral pedicle screws. Advantages of thoracic transvertebral screws include the purchase of 2 vertebral segments across multiple cortical layers. A high fusion rate was observed across spinal levels in which transvertebral screws were placed. A formal biomechanical study is needed to assess the biomechanical advantages of this technique and is currently being planned.

Clinical outcome of trans-sacral interbody fusion after partial reduction for high-grade l5-s1 spondylolisthesis.

A clinical retrospective study was conducted. To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of reduction followed by trans-sacral interbody fusion for high-grade spondylolisthesis. In situ posterior interbody fusion with fibula allograft has improved the fusion rates for patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis. The use of this technique in conjunction with partial reduction has not been reported. Nine consecutive patients underwent treatment of high-grade (Grade 3 or 4) spondylolisthesis with partial reduction followed by posterior interbody fusion using cortical allograft. The average age at the time of surgery was 27 years (range, 8-51 years), and the average follow-up period was 43 months (range, 24-72 months). Before surgery, eight patients had low back pain, seven patients had radiating leg pain, and five patients had hamstring tightness. The average grade of spondylolisthesis by Meyerding grading was 3.9 (range, 3-5). Charts and radiographs were evaluated, and outcomes were collected by use of the modified SRS outcomes instrument. Radiographic indexes demonstrated significant improvement with partial reduction and fusion. The slip angle, as measured from the inferior endplate of L5, improved from 41.2 degrees (range, 24-82 degrees ) before surgery to 21 degrees (range, 5-40 degrees ) after surgery. All the patients were extremely or somewhat satisfied with surgery. The two patients who underwent this operation without initial instrumentation experienced fractures of their interbody grafts. Both of these patients underwent repair of the pseudarthrosis with placement of trans-sacral pedicle screw instrumentation and subsequent fusion. Partial reduction followed by posterior interbody fusion is an effective technique for the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis in pediatric and adult patient populations, as assessed by radiographic and clinical criteria. Pedicle screw instrumentation with the sacral screws capturing L5 is recommended when this technique is used for the treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis. According to the clinical and radiographic results from this study, partial reduction and posterior fibula interbody fusion supplemented with pedicle screw instrumentation is an effective technique for select patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis at L5-S1.