Spondylolisthesis Patients Research Articles

Patient Profiling Can Identify Spondylolisthesis Patients at Risk for Conversion from Nonoperative to Operative Treatment.

Background:Factors that are relevant to the decision regarding the use of surgical treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis include disease-state severity and patient quality-of-life expectations. Some factors may not be easily appraised by the surgeon. In prospective trials involving patients undergoing nonoperative and operative treatment, there are instances of crossover in which patients from the nonoperative group undergo surgery. Identifying and understanding patient characteristics that may influence crossover from nonoperative to operative treatment will aid understanding of what motivates patients toward pursuing surgery.Methods:Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who were randomized to nonoperative care in a prospective, multicenter study were evaluated over 8 years of enrollment. Two cohorts were defined: (1) the surgery cohort (patients who underwent surgery at any point) and (2) the nonoperative cohort (patients who did not undergo surgery). A Cox proportional hazards model, modeling time to surgery, was used to explore demographic data, clinical diagnoses, and patient expectations and attitudes after adjusting for other variables. A subanalysis was performed on surgery within 6 months after enrollment and surgery >6 months after enrollment.Results:One hundred and forty-five patients who had been randomized to nonoperative treatment, 80 of whom crossed over to surgery, were included. In analyzing baseline differences between the 2 cohorts, patients who underwent surgery were younger; however, there were no significant difference between the cohorts in terms of race, sex, or comorbidities. Treatment preference, greater Oswestry Disability Index score, marital status, and no joint problems were predictors of crossover to surgery. Clinical factors, including stenosis, neurological deficits, and listhesis levels, did not show a significant relationship with crossover. At the time of long-term follow-up, the surgery cohort showed significantly greater long-term improvement in health-related quality of life (p < 0.001). The difference was maintained throughout follow-up.Conclusions:Neurological symptoms and diagnoses, including listhesis and stenosis severity, did not predict crossover from nonoperative care to surgery. Attitudes toward surgery, greater Oswestry Disability Index score, marital status, and no joint problems were independent predictors of crossover from nonoperative to operative care. Certain demographic characteristics were associated with higher rates of crossover, although they were connected to patient attitudes toward surgery.Level of Evidence:Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Which Domains of the ODI Best Predict Change in Physical Function in Patients After Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis?

A retrospective review. The purpose of this study is to determine the differential improvement of the various individual items of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and to determine their relationship to other measures of Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). The ODI is an easily scored, common, 10-item questionnaire about symptoms relevant to lumbar spine pathology. It is not clear if all of the items can be reliably applied to spine surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine the differential improvement of the various individual items of the ODI and to determine their relationship to other measures of HRQOL. Analysis of a prospective registry of patients treated at an academic medical center was undertaken. At baseline, standardized outcome measures including ODI and SF12 PCS were collected on all patients undergoing elective fusion surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Multiple linear regressions were performed using change in SF12 PCS as the dependent variable and change in ODI components as the independent variables. Baseline and 1-year follow-up data were collected on 196 patients (mean age 60.4 years). There were statistically significant differences in improvement among ODI items. Surprisingly, the most improvement after surgery was noted in the standing, sex life, and social life domains. The least improvement was noted in the personal care, sleeping, and sitting domains. Linear regression for change in ODI components versus change in SF-12 PCS revealed a significant correlation (R = 0.353, P ≤ 0.001). The only retained domains in the final model were change in lifting, standing, and traveling as predictors for ΔPCS. All domains of the ODI do not improve equally after surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Some of the domains that improve most (e.g., sex life) have no discernible relationship to the known pathophysiology of degenerative spondylolisthesis. Based upon these results, we conclude that the item bank and composite scoring of the ODI are inappropriate for evaluating quality of life in studies of surgically treated degenerative spondylolisthesis patients. 3.

Outcome of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in spondylolisthesis—A clinico-radiological correlation

IntroductionLumbar spondylolisthesis is a common cause of morbidity in middle aged individuals. Spinal fusion with instrumentation has become the gold standard for lumbar segmental instability. Studies which correlate the improvement in radiology postoperatively with functional outcome show contrasting reports. This study is aimed at finding the correlation between clinical and radiological outcomes after surgery with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. MethodsA retrospective study in 35 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion in a period of 1 year was done. Preoperative pain (VAS Score), functional ability (ODI), radiological parameters (slip angle, slip grade, disc height, foraminal height, lumbar lordosis) were compared with postoperative recordings at the last followup. Functional improvement (Macnab’s criteria) and fusion (Lee’s fusion criteria) were assessed. Statistical analysis was done with student’s paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. ResultsVAS score, ODI improved from 8 to 2 and 70 to 15 respectively. Slip angle improved from 23°to 5° on an average. 80% patients showed fusion and 85% showed good clinical outcome at 1 year followup. Analyzing with Pearson correlation coefficient showed no significant relation between pain scores and radiological parameters. But there was statistically significant relation between radiological fusion and the final clinical outcome. ConclusionTLIF produces spinal fusion in most individuals. Strong spinal fusion is essential for good clinical outcome in spondylolisthesis patients who undergo TLIF. Reduction in slip is not necessary for all patients with listhesis.

Iatrogenic Spondylolisthesis Following Open Lumbar Laminectomy: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

To present diagnosis and surgical management of postlaminectomy spondylolisthesis in patients without preoperative instability and a review of relevant literature. Medical records and radiographic studies of 105 patients who underwent first-time bilateral 1- to 4-level open laminectomies for degenerative lumbar disease at a single academic institution were reviewed. Patients who initially presented with listhesis and had additional discectomy or fusion procedures were excluded. Of 105 patients with laminectomies across 1-4 levels, 10 patients (9.5%; 5 men and 5 women with average age of 63.0 ± 11.2 years) developed subsequent iatrogenic spondylolisthesis at the same operative levels that required reoperation. New or worsening low back pain and lower extremity pain were reported over an average period of 19.0 ± 17.5 months postoperatively. Imaging studies showed new spondylolisthesis that was not present before the index surgery, most commonly at L4-L5 level. All patients were treated surgically with posterior instrumented fusion. The average period between the first and second surgery was 32.6 ± 19.9 months. Surgical reduction of spondylolisthesis resulted in significant clinical improvement of patients' symptoms. In patients without overt pre-existing instability, laminectomy for lumbar stenosis can disrupt spinal stability and result in iatrogenic spondylolisthesis. The extent of decompression of the facet joints, number of levels decompressed, and preoperative disc space height can help assess the risk of postoperative spondylolisthesis. Patients who develop recurrent radiculopathy after decompressive lumbar laminectomy should be evaluated for potential iatrogenic spondylolisthesis.

Preoperative Disability and Its Influencing Factors in Patients With Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis typically suffer from symptom discomfort and various degrees of disability for months or years prior to receiving surgical treatments. Knowing the factors that influence the disability status of these patients will help healthcare providers develop effective preventive measures. To explore preoperative disability and its important predictive factors in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. A predictive correlational design was used and a convenience sample of eighty-six lumbar spondylolisthesis preoperative patients were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data were collected using a study questionnaire, which included the Oswestry disability index, the revised geriatric depression scale-short form, and a pain numeric rating scale. The average disability index of the participants was 48.52 (SD = 16.14). The multiple linear regression analyses identified lower back pain, depression, age, and gender as significant predictors of preoperative disability, collectively explaining 40.9% of the variation in disability severity. Being female, being older, having a higher degree of lower back pain, and having depression were significantly associated with preoperative disability. The results of the present study indicate that lumbar spondylolisthesis patients who are older in age, female, currently experiencing lower back pain, and suffering from depression face a higher risk of preoperative disability. Patients in these at-risk categories should be assessed actively and provided with appropriate patient education in order to enhance their quality of life.

A novel noninstrumented surgical approach for foramen reconstruction for isthmic spondylolisthesis in patients with radiculopathy: preliminary clinical and radiographic outcomes.

OBJECTIVE The health care costs for instrumented spine surgery have increased dramatically in the last few decades. The authors present a novel noninstrumented surgical approach for patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis, with clinical and radiographic results. METHODS Charts of patients who underwent this technique were reviewed. The procedure consisted of nerve root decompression by reconstruction of the intervertebral foramen. This was achieved by removal of the pedicle followed by noninstrumented posterolateral fusion in which autologous bone graft from the right iliac crest was used. Outcomes regarding radicular complaints, bony fusion, progression of the slip, and complications were evaluated using patient history and radiographs obtained at follow-up intervals of 3-18 months after surgery. RESULTS A total of 58 patients with a mean age of 47 years were treated with this method. Partial removal of the pedicle was performed in 93.1% of the cases, whereas in 6.9% of the cases the entire pedicle was removed. The mean duration of surgery was 216.5 ± 54.5 minutes (range 91-340 minutes). The mean (± SD) duration of hospitalization was 10.1 ± 2.9 days (range 5-18 days). After 3 months of follow-up, 86% of the patients reported no leg pain, and this dropped to 81% at last follow-up. Radiographic follow-up showed bony fusion in 87.7% of the patients. At 1 year, 5 patients showed progression of the slip, which in 1 patient prompted a second operation within 1 year. No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of isthmic spondylolisthesis by reconstruction of the intervertebral neuroforamen and posterolateral fusion in situ is a safe procedure and has comparable results with the existing techniques. Cost-effectiveness research comparing this technique to conventional instrumented fusion techniques is necessary to evaluate the merits for both patients and society.

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion using bone cement-augmented pedicle screws for lumbar spondylolisthesis in patients with osteoporosis. Case series and review of literature.

Instrumentation in patients with osteoporosis is challenging. Bone cement-augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation is a new procedure for fixation in the osteoporotic bone; and, applying minimally invasive techniques to the above is a challenging and novel concept. To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of minimally invasive spine surgery transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in patients with spondylolisthesis and poor bone quality, performed with rigid instrumentation using bone cement [poly(methylmethacrylate)]-augmented fenestrated pedicle screws. Prospective, observational, single-center study. Wilcoxon nonparametric test for paired samples with a level of significance of 0.05. A clinical series of 25 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis and osteoporosis who underwent minimally invasive TLIF with bone cement-augmented pedicle screws were included in the study. Clinical outcome and the function were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Perioperative, postoperative, and long-term complications were monitored with a mean follow-up of 18 months. A total of 25 (20 female and 5 male) patients were included in the study with an average age of 61.05 years. The major symptom was low back pain with radiating pain to lower limbs. The average T-score was -3.0. All the patients were followed clinically and radiologically. There was a statistically significant improvement in the VAS scores and ODI scores postoperatively. No events of cement extravasation, radiological loosening, or pulling out of screws were observed. Fenestrated pedicle screw fixation with bone cement augmentation in patients with osteoporosis is a well-established alternative to increase the pullout strength of screws placed in the osteoporotic bone. Applying the concept of minimally invasive surgery to this procedure makes it a more complete solution for instrumentation in osteoporotic spine. Our series is the largest in literature on spondylolisthesis and confirms the feasibility and safety of this procedure in treating spondylolisthesis in the aging population.

Characteristic findings on imaging of cervical spondylolisthesis: Analysis of computed tomography and X-ray photography in 101 spondylolisthesis patients.

Introduction The characteristics of cervical spondylolisthesis are not currently fully understood, because of the shortage of reports covering the large population of patients with cervical spondylolisthesis. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the characteristics of cervical spondylolisthesis by examining a relatively large number of cases. Methods We analyzed 101 cases with more than 2 mm of vertebral listhesis as determined from X-ray or computed tomography (CT) images among 731 patients who underwent surgery at a single institute. We considered the C2-7 angle, range of motion, and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis on lateral X-ray images. From sagittal CT images, classifications into five grades based on the slipped disc and adjacent caudal levels were made. We examined the orientation of facet joints at the slipped level using axial CT images. Results Spondylolisthesis was recognized in 101 cases at 124 levels. Anterior and posterior spondylolisthesis were detected in 68 and 40 cases, respectively. Anterior spondylolisthesis developed predominantly at C3 or C4, usually at the level adjacent to the narrowed disc, or at C7, adjacent to the stiffened thoracic spine. The disc height was relatively preserved at the anterior slipped level. Posterior spondylolisthesis developed predominantly at the level of the significantly narrowed disc associated with advanced intervertebral osteoarthritis. At the segment with listhesis in the lower cervical spine, the direction of the facet joint in the axial plane tended to be posteromedial. Conclusions Cervical degenerative spondylolisthesis was classified into two types. The first and more common listhesis occurred adjacent to stiffened levels, and anterior slippage was common in this type. The second and less common listhesis occurred within progressively degenerated segments, and posterior slippage was prominent. We have uniquely described the morphological changes in orientation of the cervical facet joints at the slipped level in the transverse plane.

Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Spondylolisthesis by Decompression, Stabilization with Transpedicular Screws and Rods and Posterior Lumbar Interbodyfusion

Background: Spondylolisthesis means forward shift of upper vertebral column over the lower vertebra. Most of the spondylolisthesis patients can be successfully treated by conservative treatment. A small but significant number of cases need surgical intervention. Design and capability of spinal instruments have drastically changed the principle of correction of spondylolisthesis by surgical interventions for better functional outcome. The objectives of this study were to assess surgical outcome, complications and return to normal activity of spondylolisthesis patients by posterior approach.Methods: This was a prospective interventional study, carried out at NITOR and different private hospitals in Dhaka from October 2012 to December 2014. Total number of patients was 12, who underwent posterior decompression and stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).Patients were followed up for a period of six months to one year. Functional outcome was evaluated by using Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire.Results : Among 12 patients 5 were males and 7 were females, age ranged from 21-70 years with a mean age 43 ±7 years. Three patients (25%) had grade I, 8 patients (66.67%) had grade II and 1 patient (8.33%) had grade III spondylolisthesis. Follow up period was 6 months to 1 year. According to Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire,it was observed that out of 12 patients 3 patients (25%) had excellent, 8 patients (66.67%) had better and 1 patient (8.33%) had worse functional outcome.In this study overall a satisfactory (excellent and better) result was found in 11 (91.68%) patients and unsatisfactory (unchanged and worse) result in 1 (8.33%) patient. Dural tear occurred in 1 patient (8.33%). Dural tear was repaired with 5/ 0 vicryl and there was no cerebro spinal fluid leakage. One patient (8.33%) developed foot drop that was treated surgically later on.Conclusion: Based on the results shown above, it is concluded that surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis by decompression, stabilization with transpedicular screws and rods and PLIF is a safe, effective and acceptable modality of treatment.Birdem Med J 2018; 8(1): 21-25

Standard versus minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: A prospective randomized study

Introduction Symptomatic spondylolisthesis patients may benefit from surgical decompression and stabilization. The standard (S) technique is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Newer, minimally invasive (MI) techniques seem to provide similar results with less morbidity. However, prospective studies comparing S versus MI TLIF are rare. Case description Patients with at least 6 months of symptoms and image-confirmed low-grade spondylolisthesis (grade 1 or 2) were enrolled, at a single academic institution, between 2011 and 2015. The patients were randomized to either S or MI TLIF. Iliac crest graft, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) interbody cages, and pedicle screw-rod constructs were used in both groups. The primary outcome measure was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improvement at 1 year. Secondary outcome measures included length of operation, estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization, and fusion rates at 1 year. Complications were also recorded. Results and Conclusions Forty patients were enrolled in each group. There was no crossover between groups. The age was 50.12+/-11.09 years in the S TLIF group and 51.3+/-9.36 years in the MI TLIF group. There were 23 and 24 females in the S and MI TLIF group, respectively. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss in the S versus MI TLIF group were 297+/-101 versus 323 +/-85 minutes and 417+/-211 versus 351+/-198 ml, respectively. There were 4 transfusions in the S TLIF and 3 transfusions in the MI TLIF group. The patients were discharged after surgery at 4.12+/-0.88 days for the S TLIF group and 1.92+/-0.52 days for the MI TLIF group. The ODI improved from 37+/-6 to 11+/-6 in the S TLIF group (ODI difference: 26+/-7) and from 38+/-7 to 11+/-6 in the MI TLIF group (ODI difference: 26+/-8). The fusion was considered solid (Grade I) in 36 (90%) and partial (Grade II) in 4 (10%) patients at 1 year. There were no reoperations for pseudarthrosis or any other postoperative complication. There were 2 superficial wound infections in the standard TLIF group, which resolved with oral antibiotic treatment alone. Take home message In this prospective randomized study, the standard and minimally invasive TLIF in patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes at 1 year. The patients undergoing MI TLIF had a shorter hospital stay. Both surgical techniques yielded good results at 1 year.

A prospective study on surgical management of lumbar spondylolisthesis with pedicle screw fixation and posterolateral fusion

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;Spondylolisthesis is a subluxation of vertebral body over another in sagittal plane. Incidence of Spondylolisthesis in general population is 5-7%. No matter what the etiology is, patients usually have significant functional disability. Few studies have investigated the long term effect of pedicle screws fixation and posterolateral fusion on functional outcome. Objectives of this study were assessment of lumbar spondylolisthesis, the results of posterolateral fusion using autogenous bone graft from iliac crest and stabilization by pedicle screws fixation systemand to evaluate the clinical and radiological assessment of symptoms improvement and fusion rates of this procedure and functional outcome.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;A total of 30 patients of lumbar spondylolisthesis who are operated upon with posterior stabilization using Pedicle Screws fixation and postero lateral fusion satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria and followed up between February 2015 and January 2017&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;The study included 30 patients; aged between 21 to 60 yrs with a mean age of 46 yrs. Average follow up was 17 months. Functional outcome assessment with Kirkadly-Willis criteria showed 90% of excellent to good outcome. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-IN"&gt;We found in our study that posterolateral fusion with Pedicle Screws fixation minimizes dislocation, achieves adequate decompression, corrects the sagittal axis, and accomplishes fusion. We successfully achieved solid fusion with good mechanical alignment in majority of the patients.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

54 - Patient Profiling Can Identify Spondylolisthesis Patients at Risk for Conversion from Nonoperative to Surgical Treatment

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Degenerative spondylolisthesis patients often face the decision of whether to undergo surgical treatment. Identifying and understanding patient characteristics that may influence crossover from nonoperative to operative treatment arms will aid understanding of what motivates patients toward pursuing surgery.

P194 - Comparative Radiographic Analysis and Functional Score Correlation between Operatively and Nonoperatively Treated Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Patients

P194 - Comparative Radiographic Analysis and Functional Score Correlation between Operatively and Nonoperatively Treated Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Patients

P192 - Functional Comparison between Operatively and Nonoperatively Treated Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Understanding characteristics of lumbar spondylolisthesis patients who undergo surgery, as well as their functional outcome and degree of recovery, is important as the emphasis on delivery of effective efficient care increases.

Measurement Properties of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire in Adolescent Patients With Spondylolisthesis.

Prospective validation of the Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire French-Canadian version (SRS-22fv) in adolescent patients with spondylolisthesis. To determine the measurement properties of the SRS-22fv. The SRS-22 is widely used for the assessment of health-related quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and other spinal deformities. Spondylolisthesis has an important effect on quality of life. The instrument was previously used in this population, although its measurement properties remained unknown. We aim to determine its reliability, factorial, concurrent validity, and its discriminant capacity in an adolescent spondylolisthesis population. The SRS-22fv was tested in 479 subjects (272 patients with spondylolisthesis, 143 with AIS, and 64 controls) at a single institution. Its reliability was measured using the coefficient of internal consistency, concurrent validity by the short form-12 (SF-12v2 French version) and discriminant validity using multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and multivariate linear regression. The SRS-22fv showed a good global internal consistency (spondylolisthesis: Cronbach α = 0.91, AIS: 0.86, and controls: 0.78) in all its domains for spondylolisthesis patients. It showed a factorial structure consistent with the original questionnaire, with 60% of explained variance under four factors. Moderate to high correlation coefficients were found for specifically corresponding domains between SRS-22fv and SF-12v2. Boys had higher scores than do girls, scores worsened with increasing age and body mass index. Analysis of covariance showed statistically significant differences between patients with spondylolisthesis, patients with AIS, and controls when controlling for age, sex, body mass index, pain, function, and self-image scores. In the spondylolisthesis group, scores on all domains and mean total scores were significantly lower in surgical candidates and in patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis. Low to moderate ceiling effects were shown in function (1.1%), self-image (10.7%), and pain (13.6%). The SRS-22fv can discriminate between healthy and spondylolisthesis subjects. It can be used in spondylolisthesis patients to assess health-related quality of life. 4.

111 Misaligned Incentives for Lumbar Spine Surgery in the Bundled Payment for Care Initiative

Abstract INTRODUCTION Under the Bundled Payments for Care Initiative (BPCI), Medicare reimburses for lumbar fusion without adjusting for the patient's underlying pathology. We compared the hospital resource use of two lumbar fusion cohorts that BPCI groups into the same payment bundle: patients with spondylolisthesis and patients with thoracolumbar fracture. METHODS With BPCI, hospitals are reimbursed for a lumbar fusion episode of care if patients are assigned diagnosis related group (DRG) 459 or 460. Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty use different DRGs. National Inpatient Sample data from 2013 were queried to identify all patients that underwent lumbar fusion to treat a primary diagnosis of thoracolumbar fracture or spondylolisthesis and that were assigned DRG 459 or 460. Multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to compare length of hospital stay (LOS), direct hospital costs, and odds of discharge to a post-acute care facility for thoracolumbar fracture patients and spondylolisthesis patients. All models adjusted for patient demographics, 29 comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. The complex survey design of the NIS was taken into account in all models. RESULTS &gt;After adjusting for patient demographics, insurance status, hospital characteristics, and 29 comorbidities, spondylolisthesis patients had a mean LOS that was 36% shorter (95% CI 26% - 44%, P&lt; 0.0001), a mean cost that was 13% less (95% CI 3.7% - 21%, P&lt; 0.0001), and had 3.6 times greater odds of being discharged home (95% CI 2.5 5.4, P&lt; 0.0001) than thoracolumbar fracture patients. CONCLUSION Under the proposed DRG-based BPCI, hospitals would be reimbursed the same amount for lumbar fusion regardless of whether a patient had spondylolisthesis or thoracolumbar fracture. However, compared with fusion for spondylolisthesis, fusion for thoracolumbar fracture was associated with longer LOS, greater direct hospital costs, and increased likelihood of being discharged to a post-acute care facility. Our findings suggest that the BPCI episode of care for lumbar fusion dis-incentivizes treating trauma patients.

303 Minimally Invasive Versus Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Abstract INTRODUCTION Symptomatic spondylolisthesis patients may benefit from surgical decompression and stabilization. The standard (S) technique is a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Newer, minimally invasive (MI) techniques seem to provide similar results with less morbidity. However, prospective studies comparing S versus MI TLIF are rare. METHODS Patients with at least 6 months of symptoms and image-confirmed low-grade spondylolisthesis were enrolled, at a single academic institution, between 2011 and 2015. The patients were randomized to either S or MI TLIF. The primary outcome measure was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improvement at 1 year. Secondary outcome measures included length of operation, estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization, and fusion rates at 1 year. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS &gt;Forty patients were enrolled in each group. There was no crossover between groups. The age was 50.12 +/−11.09 years in the S TLIF group and 51.3 +/−9.36 years in the MI TLIF group. The mean operative time and estimated blood loss in the S versus MI TLIF group were 297 +/−101 versus 323 +/−85 minutes and 417 +/−211 versus 351 +/−198 ml, respectively. There were 4 transfusions in the S TLIF and 3 transfusions in the MI TLIF group. The patients were discharged after surgery at 4.12 +/−0.88 days for the S TLIF group and 1.92 +/−0.52 days for the MI TLIF group. The ODI improved from 37 +/−6 to 11 +/−6 in the S TLIF group (ODI difference: 26 +/−7) and from 38 +/−7 to 11 +/−6 in the MI TLIF group (ODI difference: 26 +/−8). In both groups, the fusion was considered solid (Grade I) in 36 (90%) and partial (Grade II) in 4 (10%) patients at 1 year. There were no reoperations for pseudarthrosis or any other postoperative complication. There were 2 superficial wound infections in the standard TLIF group, which resolved with oral antibiotic treatment alone. CONCLUSION The standard and minimally invasive TLIF in patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes at 1 year. The patients undergoing MI TLIF had a shorter hospital stay. Both surgical techniques yielded good results at 1 year.

The Timing of Surgery and Symptom Resolution in Patients Undergoing Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease and Radiculopathy.

Success rates of surgical interventions for lumbar disorders vary significantly depending on multiple factors and, among them, the duration of symptoms. It is not clear whether there is a "cutoff" time when decompression and fusion surgery becomes less effective in the conditions with chronic nerve root compression symptomatology. The main objective of this study was to analyze whether duration of symptoms has any effect on clinical outcomes and primarily resolution of radicular pain symptoms due to degenerative disk disease and stenosis with spondylolisthesis in patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). The prospective observational study was performed. Eighty-four patients with radicular symptoms due to degenerative disk disease and stenosis with spondylolisthesis with no previous fusion surgeries and undergoing 1- to 3-level TLIF surgery were enrolled. Fifteen patients (18%) were lost to follow-up and were excluded from this analysis leaving a total of 69 patients. Standardized questionnaires were used to analyze clinical outcomes and were administered preoperatively within 3 months of scheduled surgery, and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. To emphasize the change in clinical outcome scores, the relevant scores were calculated as the ratio of minimal clinically important difference values and change scores. The change scores were calculated by subtracting the postoperative scores from the baseline scores. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship of the duration of symptoms and relevant minimal clinically important difference ratio values while controlling for independent variables. Further, a comparison between 2 groups of patients was performed to analyze the changes of clinical outcomes for the patients who underwent fusion within <24 months versus ≥24 months. It was determined that the duration of symptoms was a significant predictor of better leg pain resolution (P=0.018), but not back pain resolution (P=0.27), or improvement in ODI (P=0.10) and SF-36 PCS scores (P=0.19). The patients with shorter duration of symptoms had significantly better radicular symptom resolution (P=0.032) compared with patients who waited at least 24 months or longer to undergo fusion. A shorter duration of symptoms was found to be a statistically significant predictor for better resolution of radicular symptoms in patients undergoing TLIF for painful degenerative disk disease and stenosis with spondylolisthesis.

Facture of the Pars Interarticularis with or without Spondylolisthesis in an Adult Population in a Developing Country: Evaluation by Multidetector Computed Tomography.

Study DesignDescriptive cross-sectional study.PurposeTo determine the prevalence of lumbar spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in a general adult population unrelated to lower back pain as evaluated by multidetector computed tomography.Overview of LiteratureThere is a significant paucity of information related to the prevalence of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis and its degenerative changes in a general adult population unrelated to lower back pain in developing countries.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scans performed between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2015 for various clinical indications. Patients with lower back pain, with a history of trauma or road traffic accident, or referred from orthopedic or neurosurgery departments were excluded to avoid any bias. CT scans were reviewed in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes using bone window settings for evaluating spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.ResultsOf 4,348 patients recruited, spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis were identified in 266 (6.1%) and 142 (3.3%) patients, respectively. Age was significantly higher in both spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis patients than in those without spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis (47.19±15.45 vs. 42.5±15.96, p<0.001 and 53.01±15.31 vs. 42.44±15.88, p<0.001, respectively). Gender was significantly associated with spondylolisthesis (p=0.029) but not spondylolysis. Of patients who were >60 years old, both spondylolysis (p=0.018) and spondylolisthesis (p=0.025) were significantly more prevalent in females.ConclusionsThe prevalence of pars interarticularis fracture observed higher with gradual increase in the prevalence with advancing age. In particular, preponderance was significantly higher among older females.

Prevalence of Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis in Patients Afflicted with Chronic Back Pain in Babol City, Iran, during 2012 and 2013

Background And Aim Chronic back pain is one of the most important reasons of individuals’ referring to clinic, so that no determined recognition is posed in considerable number of such individuals. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are two important pathologies that people might be afflicted with for years but they might be unaware of it. Therefore, such diseases may account for chronic back pain. This study aims at analyzing prevalence of these two injuries in individuals afflicted with chronic back pain.Methods and Materials/Patients: This has been a cross-sectional study for two years on individuals who referred to our clinic with complaining about chronic back pain with taken MRI and radiography of spine for diagnosis of their problem. Information related to current pathologies in imaging was extracted and registered from an interpretation of physician and radiologist report.Results In this study, 289 out of 692 studied individuals were male. Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis were observed in 8.6% and 13% of them, respectively. Prevalence of spondylolisthesis in women (18%) was significantly more than that in men especially by aging. There was no statistically significant relationship between spondyloysis and spondylolisthesis.Conclusion Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis are seen among the main reasons of chronic back pain in aged women with prevalence of 13% and 8.6%, respectively.