Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis Research Articles

Insights on High-Value Procedures From the ISASS 4-Part Webinar Series on Current and Emerging Techniques in Endoscopic Spine Surgery Based on Surgeon Experience.

The authors conducted a comprehensive review and integration of insights from 4 webinars hosted by the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) to arrive at recommendations for best clinical practices for guideline development for endoscopic spine surgery. This perspective article discusses the limitations of traditional surgical trials and amalgamates surgeons' experience and research on various cutting-edge techniques. Data were extracted from surveys conducted during each webinar session involving 3639 surgeons globally. The polytomous Rasch model was employed to analyze responses, ensuring a robust statistical assessment of surgeon endorsements and educational impacts and focusing on operative nuances and experience-based outcomes. Bias detection was performed using the differential item functioning test. The ISASS webinars provided a dynamic platform for discussing advances in endoscopic spine surgery, identifying a range of high-value procedures from basic discectomies to complex lumbar interbody fusions. Each high-value endoscopic spine surgery was highlighted in separate peer-reviewed publications, which form the basis for this summary document that synthesizes key takeaways from these webinars. High-value clinical applications of endoscopic spine surgery, primarily defined as higher-intensity endorsement transformation from the pre- to postwebinar survey with a shift to higher mean logit locations of test items both with unbiased and orderly threshold progression, were: (a) Percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic decompression for lateral canal stenosis, (b) transforaminal debridement of low-grade degenerative spondylolisthesis, (c) transforaminal full-endoscopic interbody fusion for hard disc herniation, (d) endoscopic standalone lumbar interbody fusion, (e) endoscopic debridement of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, and (f) posterior cervical foraminotomy for herniated disc and bony stenosis. The ISASS webinar series has significantly impacted surgeons' education and contributed to the identification of high-value endoscopic spine surgery practices that may serve as a cornerstone for surgeon training standards, policy, and guidelines development. Ongoing research on technological advancements and expansions of clinical indications combined with systematic review is expected to refine the recommendations on high-value endoscopic spinal surgeries recommended for enhanced reimbursement. Assessing surgeon confidence and acceptance of endoscopic spinal surgeries using polytomous Rasch analysis. Level 2 (inferential) and 3 (observational) evidence because Rasch analysis provides statistical validation of instruments rather than direct clinical outcomes.

Key Takeaways From ISASS Webinar Series on Endoscopic Spine Surgery Techniques | Part 4: Advancing the Curve on Surgeons' Experience With Complex Lumbar Revision Scenarios, Grades 1 to 3 Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis, Cervical Foraminotomy, and Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

The fourth webinar in a 4-part series hosted by the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery explored contemporary endoscopic spine surgery techniques. This session covered complex revision strategies, endoscopic management of grades 1-3 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, cervical foraminotomy, and decompression techniques for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The aim was to assess surgeon endorsement of the discussed endoscopic spine surgery techniques both before and after the webinar using polytomous Rasch analysis. Additionally, the analysis sought to determine how these insights might shape clinical guideline recommendations. Before the webinar, which was attended by 868 potential participants, a survey was distributed to collect data on the level of support for various techniques using a Likert scale. The polytomous Rasch model analyzed these responses by evaluating decision complexity relative to surgeon expertise. This approach helped develop a logarithmic scale to objectively analyze categorical responses, distinguish between congruent and incongruent items, and contribute to the enhancement of clinical guidelines. Of the 868 surgeons, 263 accessed, 150 started, and 118 completed the prewebinar survey, with a completion rate of 78.7%. The participants were mainly orthopedic surgeons (59.3%) and neurosurgeons (34.7%) but also included residents (2.5%), fellows (1.7%), and interventional radiologists (1.7%). In the postwebinar phase, 298 participants accessed the survey, 169 started it, and 128 completed it, achieving a 75.7% completion rate. The demographics of postwebinar participants closely mirrored the initial group: 66.4% orthopedic surgeons, 23.4% neurosurgeons, 3.6% residents, 2.9% fellows, 0.7% medical students, and 2.9% interventional radiologists. The Rasch analysis confirmed high surgeon confidence for the posterior cervical foraminotomy and endoscopic treatment of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis grades 1 to 3 and posterior endoscopic decompression for CSM. Both pre- and postwebinar responses showed a good fit to the Rasch model for these endoscopic techniques, indicating minimal bias, supported by differential item functioning analysis. The application of the endoscopic surgery platform for procedures such as lumbar revision surgery for adjacent segment disease or failed interbody fusion cages and posterior decompression of CSM saw little shift in endorsement, as evidenced both in descriptive and the logarithmically transformed Rasch statistics. This webinar highlighted the evolving consensus on best practices in endoscopic spine surgery, displaying wide acceptance of endoscopic debridement of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, cervical foraminotomy for herniated disc and bony stenosis, and posterior endoscopic decompression for CSM. Assessing surgeon confidence and acceptance of endoscopic spinal surgeries using polytomous Rasch analysis. Level 2 (inferential) and 3 (observational) evidence because Rasch analysis provides statistical validation of instruments rather than direct clinical outcomes.

Surgical management of congenital cervical spondylolytic spondylolisthesis: illustrative case.

Congenital cervical spondylolytic spondylolisthesis is a rare and complex disorder of the cervical spine. Surgical treatment is reserved for those symptomatic patients who do not improve with conservative management. A 34-year-old man presented with bilateral C7 radiculopathy for the past 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed grade II C6-7 spondylolisthesis. Computed tomography showed the presence of spondyloarthritis, bilateral pedicle dysplasia, bilateral isthmic defect, and spinous process schisis. Dynamic radiographs showed no signs of vertebral instability. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging showed kinking of the spinal cord over the fulcrum of C6-7 kyphosis during flexion, with no signs of myelopathy. The patient underwent C6-7 anterior fusion surgery. His symptoms improved postoperatively, with a 2-month computed tomography scan showing initial bony bridging. The absence of evident instability on radiography does not always correspond to the absence of actual functional compression of neurological structures. Spinal misalignment, muscle dysfunction, and kyphotic deformity with kinking of the spinal cord and stretching of the nerve roots may also contribute to the development of symptoms. In this setting, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging can be extremely useful. Single-level anterior fusion surgery without posterior fixation can achieve solid fusion and improve the clinical conditions of patients. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24174.

L4/5 Disc Herniation: Not Unusually Accompanied with L5/S1 Low-Grade Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis.

Isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) is distinguished by a congenital defect or acquired fracture of the pars interarticularis. Numerous studies on L5 low-grade IS have been carried out; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the condition of L5 IS concomitant with L4/5 disc herniation. This study aimed to identify the incidence rate and to illustrate the possible risk factors for L4/5 disc herniation in L5 low-grade IS patients. A total of 268 consecutive patients diagnosed as L5/S1 low-grade IS between May 2017 and May 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Depending on the presence of L4/5 disc herniation or not, patients were divided into an L4/5 disc herniation group (L4/5 DH) and an L4/5 non-disc herniation group (L4/5 non-DH). Radiographic parameters were measured, and the ratios of L4-S1 segmental lordosis (SL) to lumbar lordosis (LDI), L4 inferior endplate (IEP) to L5 superior endplate (SEP) (L4 IEP/L5 SEP), and L5 IEP to S1 SEP (L5 IEP/S1 SEP) were compared between groups. The Pfirrmann grade of the L4/5 disc and the L5/S1 disc, and Roussouly classifications of each patient were also recorded. Univariate analysis (including independent-samples t-test and χ2 -test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the data. There were 40 patients (14.9%) in the L4/5 DH group. The Roussouly classification differed significantly between groups. As demonstrated by the Pfirrmann grade, the L4/5 DH group showed more advanced disc degeneration at L4/5 than the L4/5 non-DH group. In contrast to the L4/5 non-DH group, the L4/5 DH group had a significantly larger L4 IEP, L4 IEP/L5 SEP, S1 SEP, and LDI while smaller L4/5 disc angle, L4/5 disc height, slip percentage, lumbar lordosis, and sacral slope. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher L4/5 disc Pfirrmann grade (p = 0.004), decreased L4/5 disc height (p < 0.001), and lower L5 slip percentage (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with the occurrence of L4/5 DH. L4/5 disc herniation is not unusually accompanied by L5/S1 low-grade IS. Advanced L4/5 disc degeneration, decreased L4/5 disc height, and lower L5 slip percentage might be significantly associated with L4/5 disc herniation.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Repair of Spondylolitic Spondylolisthesis Through Direct Pars Repair.

A retrospective chart review. The objective of this study is to investigate whether direct pars repair achieves bone healing and symptom relief in patients with spondylolitic spondylolisthesis. While most cases of spondylolysis can be managed nonoperatively, a small percentage of patients require surgical intervention. The outcome of direct pars repair through a standard pedicle-screw with wiring technique is controversial in patients with lumbar spondylolitic spondylolisthesis. Medical records of patients who had undergone an open surgical pars repair were retrospectively reviewed. Standard demographic and surgical parameters were collected. All patients underwent a primary repair of the pars with an autograft or bone morphogenetic protein and instrumentation using a pedicle-screw with spinous process wiring. At 6 to 12 months after the surgery, patient's pain symptoms, and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were independently reviewed to assess healing; which was graded as nonunion, partial union, or solid union. There were 68 patients identified (33 male and 35 female), with an average age of 18.6 years. The mean estimated blood loss was 139 ml, and the mean length of hospital stay was 3.7 days. CT evaluation revealed 35 (52%) solid unions, 21 (31%) partial unions, and 12 (18%) nonunions requiring revisions. Thirty-four (50%) patients had no postoperative pain, 24 (35%) had mild pain, and 10 (15%) had persistent pain. The majority of patients with nonunions on CT had mild or persistent pain. Patients with no or mild pain tended to be younger than those with persistent pain (17.5 vs. 24.6 yr, P =0.163). This study demonstrated a partial or complete union rate of 82% and a postoperative persistent pain rate of 15%. These figures are comparable to the previous study, and this pedicle-screw with wiring technique can be worth trying before interbody fusion for spondylolytic spondylolisthesis to preserve anatomical lumbar motion.

Association of Lumbar Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis With the Incidence and Prognosis of Anterior Ring Apophyseal Abnormalities of the Vertebrae in Young Gymnasts.

Although anterior apophyseal abnormalities of the vertebrae and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS) are prevalent in gymnasts during growth spurts, no studies have examined the relationship between apophyseal abnormalities and SS. A significant relationship will exist between anterior apophyseal abnormalities and SS in young gymnasts. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. A total of 306 gymnasts (123 male, 183 female; age range, 6-28 years) with >2 weeks of back pain were enrolled in this study. Apophyseal abnormalities were evaluated using radiography. In the primary analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) for multivariate factors (age, body mass index, sex, skeletal maturity, competitive level, and presence of spondylolysis or SS) influencing the incidence of apophyseal abnormalities. In the secondary analysis, 90 of the 306 gymnasts were followed up radiographically for a minimum of 2 years, and factors contributing to the worsening of apophyseal abnormalities were identified. In the primary analysis, the chi-square test revealed a relationship between anterior ring apophyseal abnormalities and SS at the L5-S1 segment (OR, 7.6). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of SS at L5-S1 (OR, 9.5) and competitive level (international: OR, 6.7; national: OR, 4.5) correlated with the incidence of apophyseal abnormalities. The secondary analysis identified the presence of SS at L5-S1 (OR, 5.9) as a significant factor contributing to the worsening of apophyseal abnormalities. The presence of SS was a factor affecting the incidence and prognosis of anterior apophyseal abnormalities.

Anaerobic spondylodiscitis: a retrospective analysis

BackgroundThis retrospective study analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with anaerobic spondylodiscitis.MethodsFrom a total of 382 patients with infectious spondylodiscitis, nine patients (2.4%; two male and seven female with an average age of 67 years) with anaerobic spondylodiscitis between March 2003 and March 2017 were analyzed.ResultsMost of the patients (77.8%) initially presented with afebrile back pain. Hematogenous spread occurred in seven patients and postoperative infection in two patients. Bacteroid fragilis was the most common pathogen isolated from three patients. Atypical radiographic characteristics, including a vertebral fracture with the preservation of disk height or coexisting spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, occurred in four patients with hematogenous anaerobic spondylodiscitis. The eradication rate of anaerobic infection was significantly higher in the patients with hematogenous infection than in those with postoperative infection (100% vs. 0%, p = 0.0476). Anaerobic spondylodiscitis accounted for 2.4% of cases of infectious spondylodiscitis and predominantly affected the female patients.ConclusionsDiagnostic delay may occur because of atypical spinal radiographs if the patient reports only back pain but no fever. Anaerobic infection following elective spinal instrumentation has a higher recurrence rate.

Current problems of surgical treatment of spondylolysis spondylolisthesis

Although the first description of spondylolisthesis dates back to 1782 (by the Belgian obstetrician Herbinaux) and the evolution of various diagnostic and treatment modalities has undergone many changes, the choice of surgery for this pathology remains controversial. The aim of this work was to determine the optimal surgical access for the treatment of spondylolysis spondylolisthesis depending on the degree of vertebral displacement. The results of treatment of 11 patients with spondylolysis spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical treatment in the period from 2017 to 2021 at the State Medical Institution of the Siberian Branch of the City Clinical Hospital 40 were reviewed. In all cases, despite different methods of surgery (ALIF+MIS TPF or PLIF), positive clinical and radiological treatment results were achieved.

Risk factors for early-onset radiographical adjacent segment disease in patients with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis after single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion

BACKGROUND CONTEXTThe risk factors for radiographical adjacent segment disease (ASD) in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis have been previously reported. However, there are only few reports on patients with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis who underwent single-level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). PURPOSEThe study aimed to investigate the risk factors for radiographical ASD in patients with L5–S1 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis who underwent single-level PLIF. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA retrospective study PATIENT SAMPLEThis study retrospectively reviewed 135 consecutive patients (91 men and 44 women) with symptomatic L5–S1 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis who underwent single-level PLIF. OUTCOME MEASURESThe pre- and postoperative (at the final follow-up) spinopelvic parameters, % slip, sacral slope, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence (PI), PI minus LL (PI − LL), lumbosacral angle, C7 sagittal vertical axis, and thoracic kyphosis were measured using standing radiographs. METHODSRadiographical ASD was defined as disc height loss (>3 mm), increase of posterior angulation (>5°), or progression of spondylolisthesis (>3 mm) between the pre- and postoperative radiographs. Pfirrmann's classification was used to evaluate disc degeneration. The radiographical parameters and changes between the pre- and postoperative values were evaluated and compared for the non-ASD and ASD groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the adjusted associations between each potential explanatory variable and ASD development. RESULTSThe radiographical ASD incidence was 11%. Additionally, 60% of the patients with ASD had radiographical ASD at 1 year and all cases of radiographical ASD in this follow-up period occurred within 3 years after the initial surgery. The mean period of ASD occurrence after initial surgery was 21.7 ± 12.6 months. No patients required reoperation for radiographical ASD. Multivariate analysis revealed that a preoperative (odds ratio [OR], 5.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–28.9; p=.03) and a postoperative (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 1.2–34.5; p=.03) PI − LL of ≥15° were risk factors for radiographical ASD. CONCLUSIONSPre- and postoperative PI − LL value mismatch was identified as significant independent risk factors for radiographical ASD in patients with L5–S1 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Obtaining larger lordosis at L5–S1 may be the key to preventing radiographical ASD.

CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SPONDYLOLYSIS SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SPONDYLOLYSIS SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

P87. Does short segment reduction and fusion (TLIF) of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis normalize lumbar lordosis and improve spino-pelvic alignment?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Spondylolytic spondylolisthesis is commonly associated with back pain and neurological symptoms. The primary localized kyphotic deformity at the level of the spondylolisthesis is compensated by increased lordosis across the remaining lumbar spine giving rise to a hyperlordotic lumbar spine. There is usually an associated increase in sacral slope and a corresponding decrease in pelvic tilt. PURPOSE This study was done to investigate the influence of short segment reduction and fusion (TLIF) for spondylolytic spondylolisthesis on the increased lumbar lordosis and the spino-pelvic alignment. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective radiological analysis by two independent observers of standing preoperative and postoperative lumbar spine radiographs. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Institute Ethics Committee. PATIENT SAMPLE Thirty-seven consecutive patients from a single surgeon series of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis undergoing reduction and fusion (TLIF) performed between 2013 and 2019. OUTCOME MEASURES Measurements of the lumbar lordosis across the lumbar spine as a whole and individual motion segments, and sacral slope were taken using pre- and postoperative standing radiographs. METHODS Two independent observers, blinded of each other, reviewed the pre- and postoperative standing radiographs. Using PACS software they measured the lumbar lordosis across the lumbar spine as a whole and individual motion segments, and sacral slope. The lumber lordosis was measured from the superior border of S1 to superior border of L1. RESULTS Twenty-seven fusions were performed at L5/S1, nine at L4/5 and one at L3/4. Normalization of lordosis was noted at all spinal levels, including distant from the surgical site. Overall mean lumbar lordosis reduced from 63.43 degrees to 48.89 degrees (p CONCLUSIONS This study shows that short segment reduction and fusion for spondylolytic spondylolisthesis can normalize lumbar lordosis at all levels of the lumbar spine and this occurs level-by-level. There is also an associated spontaneous reduction in the sacral slope and therefore a corresponding improvement in the pelvic tilt leading to improved spino-pelvic alignment. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

How does sagittal spinopelvic alignment of lumbar multisegmental spondylolysis differ from monosegmental spondylolysis?

The aim of this study was to investigate sagittal alignment and compensatory mechanisms in patients with monosegmental spondylolysis (mono_lysis) and multisegmental spondylolysis (multi_lysis). A total of 453 adult patients treated for symptomatic low-grade spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were retrospectively studied at a single center. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups, the mono_lysis group and the multi_lysis group, based on the number of spondylolysis segments. A total of 158 asymptomatic healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study as the control group. Radiographic parameters measured on standing sagittal radiographs and the ratios of L4-S1 segmental lordosis (SL) to lumbar lordosis (L4-S1 SL/LL) and pelvic tilt to pelvic incidence (PT/PI) were compared between all experimental groups. There were 51 patients (11.3%) with a diagnosis of multi_lysis in the spondylolysis group. When compared with the control group, the spondylolysis group exhibited larger PI (p < 0.001), PT (p < 0.001), LL (p < 0.001), and L4-S1 SL (p = 0.025) and a smaller L4-S1 SL/LL ratio (p < 0.001). When analyzing the specific spondylolysis subgroups, there were no significant differences in PI, but the multi_lysis group had a higher L5 incidence (p = 0.004), PT (p = 0.018), and PT/PI ratio (p = 0.039). The multi_lysis group also had a smaller L4-S1 SL/LL ratio (p = 0.012) and greater sagittal vertical axis (p < 0.001). A high-PI spinopelvic pattern was involved in the development of spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, and a larger L5 incidence might be associated with the occurrence of consecutive multi_lysis. Unlike patients with mono_lysis, individuals with multi_lysis were characterized by an anterior trunk, insufficiency of L4-S1 SL, and pelvic retroversion.

Comprehensive non-surgical treatment decreased the need for spine surgery in patients with spondylolisthesis: Three-year results.

Non-surgical treatment is the primary approach to degenerative conditions of the lumbar spine and may involve multiple modalities. There is little literature to guide an evidence-based approach to care. To determine the effectiveness of CNT (comprehensive non-surgical treatment) in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (SS), and to identify predictor variables for success of CNT in avoiding surgery. All patients who underwent CNT for spondylolisthesis (n: 203) were included. CNT consisted of patient education, pain control with transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFEs) and/or medications, and exercise programs. Surgical and non-surgical patients were similar in age, smoking status, comorbidity scores, facet joint widening, and translation of spondylolisthesis. After CNT, only 21.6% of patients with DS and 31.3% of patients with SS chose to have surgery in 3-years follow-up. The non-surgical group reported significantly better pain relief (73.6% vs 55%) after TFEs for a longer period (152.8 vs 45.6 days) and lower opioid use than the surgical group (28.2% vs 55.3%). CNT is effective in spondylolisthesis and more successful in DS than SS. CNT may decrease the need for surgery, particularly in patients who report pain relief greater than 70% for average five months after TFEs.

Isolated and Multilevel Spondylolysis (Literature Review)

One of the main causes of lumbar spine pain is spondylolysis. The purpose of this review is to present the current state of the problem of diagnosis and treatment isolated and multilevel spondylolysis.Materials and Methods. The review includes 86 publications on the problem of spondylolysis for 2005–2019, obtained from electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, eLIBRARY, CYBERLENINKA.Results. There is still the only known classification of spondylolysis by P. Niggemann et al, which includes four severity of this pathology — from mild to very severe: A, BI, BII, BIII. The classification is based on the nature of changes in the area of bone defect of the vertebral arch when the patient performs functional tests. In some cases, the pathology can be regarded as a transition between different degrees of severity of type B. The treatment of spondylolysis can be both conservative and operational. The conservative therapy consists of physical activity restriction, physiotherapy, wearing a corset, massage, and pharmacotherapy. The purpose of surgical treatment is the removal of fibrous tissue from the zone of spondylolysis and the achievement in this area the bone fusion via a bone autoplasty and(or) osteosynthesis with different metal frameworks. Reasoned arguments about the need for a combination of conservative and surgical treatment of patients with spondylolysis are also reflected in the publications. Information on multilevel spondylolysis is represented by a small number of articles. only 15 authors described clinical cases of multilevel spondylolysis in a total of 21 patients. Spondylolysis is a high risk factor for the spondylolisthesis formation. Among the various categories of patients suffering from spondylolysis and lumbar spondylolysis spondylolisthesis, pregnant women are of particular interest. Hormonal restructuring and changes in the biomechanics of the spine in women during the gestational period often leads to the appearance or intensification pain syndrome in lumbar spine complicating the pregnancy, and hence a fetus development.Conclusion. Timely diagnosis of spondylolysis and the subsequent development of individual rehabilitation not only improves the quality of life of patients, but in some cases can prevent such a serious pathology as spondylolisthesis.

Sagittal reconstruction of lumbosacral contiguous double-level spondylolytic spondylolisthesis: a comparison of double-level and single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

BackgroundContiguous double-level lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis is an extremely rare condition. There is a paucity of data of lumbosacral deformity and sagittal spino-pelvic malalignment among these patients. Moreover, the effect of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) on sagittal realignment still remains largely unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the reconstruction of sagittal alignment and the improvement of clinical outcomes after posterior instrumented double-level or single-level TLIF.MethodsFrom January 2010 to September 2018, the records of patients with contiguous L4/5 and L5/S1 double-level spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who had undergone double-level or single-level TLIF and a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up were included. The slippage parameters and spino-pelvic parameters were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the latest follow-up.ResultsA total of 58 patients (21 males and 37 females, mean age of 57.1 ± 6.9 years) were enrolled. Thirty-eight patients were treated with double-level TLIF and the remaining 20 with single-level TLIF (L4/5 in 14; L5/S1 in 6). After surgery, the spondylolisthesis was significantly reduced at both L4/5 and L5/S1 level (all P < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in pelvic tilt (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in sacral slope (P < 0.001). Significant increase in L4–S1 height (P < 0.001) and L4–S1 lordosis (P = 0.012) and decrease in L5 slope (P = 0.004) and L5 incidence (P = 0.001) were also observed. Compared to single-level TLIF, double-level TLIF increased L4–S1 height (P < 0.001) and L4–S1 lordosis (P < 0.001) and reduced L4-SVA (P = 0.007) and L5 incidence (P = 0.013) more obviously, and the sagittal balance was better corrected in double-level TLIF group (P = 0.006). Double-level TLIF group showed larger increase in VAS scores for low back pain. The incidence of implant-related complications was lower in the double-level group.ConclusionPosterior short-segment instrumented TLIF can bring favorable radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with lumbosacral contiguous double-level spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Double-level TLIF is more efficient to improve L4–S1 height, regional lumbar lordosis, and global sagittal balance.

Percutaneous Stenoscopic Lumbar Decompression with Paramedian Approach for Foraminal/Extraforaminal Lesions.

The lumbar foramen is affected by different degenerative diseases, including extraforaminal disc herniation, foraminal stenosis (FS), and degenerative or spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. The purpose of this study was to describe percutaneous stenoscopic lumbar decompression with a paramedian approach (para-PSLD) for foraminal/extraforaminal lesions. All operative procedures were performed using a complete uniportal endoscopic instrument system. The para-PSLD can be easily applied to patients with FS and narrow disc space or facet joint hypertrophy. The anatomical view of a para-PSLD is similar to that of a conventional open surgery and allows for good visualization of the foraminal/extraforaminal areas. We suggest that para-PSLD is an alternative and minimally invasive procedure to treat degenerative lumbar foraminal/extraforaminal stenoses.

Minimally invasive surgery versus open surgery in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis: study protocol of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial (MISOS trial)

IntroductionPatients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis are frequently treated with nerve root decompression, in addition to pedicle screw fixation and interbody fusion. Minimally invasive approaches are gaining attention in recent years, although...

Three cases of L4–5 Baastrup’s disease due to L5–S1 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis

Baastrup's disease is characterized by degeneration of spinous processes and interspinous soft tissue, which may cause spinal stenosis. Purpose of this article is to report the possible new cause of Baastrup's disease and result of surgical treatments. Authors treated three cases of Baastrup's disease on L4-L5 with L5-S1 spondylolytic listhesis. Conservative treatment did not relieve the pain; therefore, surgical treatments were planned according to each specific disease condition. In one case, anterior lumbar interbody fusion of L5-S1 was performed, and after surgery, the size of epidural cyst on L4-L5 was decreased. L4-L5 bilateral laminectomy was performed to directly decompress posterior epidural cyst in a case with stable L5-S1 spondylolytic listhesis. In last case, facet joints and spinous process were removed by L5-S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery. After the surgery, patients' back and leg pain was improved and postoperative MRI revealed successful decompression of the spinal canal. Improvement in back and leg symptoms was noted at 12-month follow-up. Baastrup's disease at the L4-L5 level may have developed from the instability caused by L5-S1 spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Viable treatment options include the fusion of L5-S1 or a laminectomy at the L4-L5 level.

Comparison of Outcomes of Anterior, Posterior, and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery at a Single Lumbar Level with Degenerative Spinal Disease

The fusion rate in spinal surgery may vary in relation to the technique, and it remains unknown which surgical technique provides the best fusion rate and surgical outcome. We aimed to compare radiologic and surgical results between 3 surgical techniques used for lumbar interbody fusion. Participants included 77 patients diagnosed with degenerative spinal stenosis including spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to surgical technique: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF, n= 26), transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF, n= 21), and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF, n= 30). Various radiologic parameters were measured, including fusion rates. Significant changes after surgery were observed in the ALIF group for the percentage of vertebral body slippage, anterior disk height, posterior disk height, and segmental range of movement (ROM). The fusion rate on computed tomography (CT) scan at the final follow-up was 69.2% in the ALIF group, 72.7% in the TLIF group, and 64.3% in the PLIF group. The cage subsidence rate 2 years after surgery was 15.4% in the ALIF group, 38.1% in the TLIF group, and 10% in the PLIF group. ALIF was associated with better restoration of segmental lordosis. The fusion rate on CT scan and with segmental ROM did not differ between the 3 groups. TLIF was associated with a better postoperative visual analog scale. PLIF showed the lowest cage subsidence rate. Therefore, it is difficult to know which surgical technique is better among the 3 groups because each surgical method has its own advantages.

A Case Report of Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis Treated with an Oriental Medical Treatment

A Case Report of Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis Treated with an Oriental Medical Treatment