Surgical Treatment For High-grade Spondylolisthesis Research Articles

Surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis

Establishment of aphysiological profile of the spine via reduction of the kyphotic slipped vertebra in the transverse and sagittal planes. Achieving solid fusion. Improvement of preoperative pain symptoms and prevention or elimination of neurological deficits. High-grade spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade3 and4) as well as spondyloptosis after conservative treatment and corresponding symptoms. Serious neurological deficits, hip-lumbar extensor stiffness, are emergency indications. Individual risk assessment must be made. Absolute CI are infections with the exception of serious neurological deficits. Multiple abdominal operations or interventions on the large vessels can be arelative contraindication for ventral intervention. For spondylolistheses of grade3 according to Meyerding, we recommend aone-stage dorso-ventro-dorsal procedure with radicular decompression, correction and fusion in the index segment. From grade4 according to Meyerding, reduction of the fifth lumbar vertebral body in the index segment L5/S1 is preceded by resection of the sacral dome. In cases of spondyloptosis, atwo-stage procedure is often indicated. In this case, ascrew-rod system spanning the index segment is implanted in the first step, which is used to distract the index segment for several days. Ventrodorsal reduction is performed in the second step. Axis-appropriate full mobilization from postoperative day1. We recommend alight diet until the first defecation. Dorsal suture removal after 12days if the wound is dry and free of irritation. Lifting and carrying heavy loads and also competitive or contact sports should be avoided for 12weeks. From January 2000 to December 2020, atotal of 43patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis were treated in our clinic in the manner described. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) improved significantly during the observation period of 3months and 1year. The 1‑year radiological data in 28 of the 36patients showed complete reduction of the slipped vertebra, in 6grade1, and in 2patients grade2 according to Meyerding. Also, the kyphosis of the index vertebra was significantly corrected from amean of 15° (0-52°) preoperatively to alordotic profile of amean of 4° (0-11°). No complications requiring revision were observed. One patient with preoperative cauda equina syndrome was left with right radicular sensorimotor S1 syndrome.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Managing Grade IV and V Spondylolisthesis.

Surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis is controversial and aims at restoring the spinopelvic sagittal balance through complete or partial reduction of the listhesis. Nerve decompression and interbody fusion are necessary for patients presenting with neurological deficit, severe pain, lower limb asymmetry, or deformities. We present the case and the results of a patient with high-grade spondylolisthesis, in whom minimally invasive management was performed. A narrative review in this topic is also provided. We performed a literature review of high-grade spondylolisthesis to compare our technique to current surgical alternatives. We included articles from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Ovid, and Science Direct published between 1963 and 2022 that were written in English, German, and Spanish. The terms used were the following: "high grade spondylolisthesis," "spondyloptosis," "surgical management," "interbody fusion," and "arthrodesis." In all, 485 articles were displayed, from which we filtered 112 by title and abstract. At the end, 75 references were selected for the review. Different interbody fusion techniques can be used to correct the lumbosacral kyphosis and restore the spinopelvic parameters. A complete reduction of the listhesis is not always required. The surgical procedure carried out in our patient corresponds to the first known case of minimally invasive circumferential arthrodesis with iliac screws and sacral fixation in a high-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis. This approach guarantees the correction of the lumbosacral kyphosis and a complete reduction of the listhesis. Further studies are required to determine whether the results of this case can be extrapolated to other patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis.

Single-level fusion without decompression for high-grade spondylolithesis in adolescents: a novel surgical strategy

There is no consensus on the optimal surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess the radiographic and clinical outcomes of a novel surgical approach to HGS consisting of a single-level anterior reduction, placement of a lordotic cage, and circumferential fixation without decompression. This was a retrospective consecutive case series of 11 adolescents who underwent anterior reduction through placement of a lordotic cage followed by posterior fusion using pedicle screws and rods confined to L5-S1. Radiographic data included slip percentage, slip angle, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic sagittal parameters assessed at clinical visits preoperatively and at 2years postoperatively. A telephone survey was conducted to obtain current information about function, activity level, work status, and retrograde ejaculation. Patients were followed for an average of 7.8years (range 2-16). Mean age was 15.5years (range 12-19). The mean percent slip corrected from 55 to 18%. The average slip angle was + 17.1° preoperatively and - 14.1° at final assessment (average correction of 20.7°). Thirty-six percent (4/11) of patients improved by three Meyerding grades and an additional 55% (6/11) improved by two grades. Complications included one instance each of superficial infection, wound dehiscence, and transient neuralgia. There were no cases of instrumentation failure, cage subsidence, pseudoarthrosis, or retrograde ejaculation. Radiographic evidence of fusion was observed in all cases. Single-level anterior reduction and circumferential fusion without decompression appears to be a safe and effective alternative for the surgical treatment of pediatric HGS. IV.

Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of High-Grade Spondylolisthesis (Monocenter Cohort and Literature Review)

Purpose — to evaluate outcomes of surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis using bone-disc-bone osteotomy, reduction and fixation through the dorsal approach. Materials and Methods. The authors retrospectively examined a monocenter five-year cohort (IV level of evidence). The study included 10 patients aging from 7 to 22 years (Me — 12 years, M±m — 13.1±4.1 years) who underwent surgery due to high-grade spondylolysis antelisthesis in the period from 2012 to 2017. Displacement was located in L5-S1 segments and corresponded to types 4-6 by AO Spine SDSG classification in all patients. Catamnesis was followed for the period from 1 to 5 years. Surgical procedures included bone-disc-bone osteotomy, L5 reduction and dorsal instrumental multi-bearing (from 2 to 5 spinal motion segments) using reduction transpedicular screws. The following parameters were evaluated: pain syndrome prior and after surgery, sagittal balance, spondylolisthesis mobility on the functional x-rays or CYs, severity grade of anterior spondylolysis, criteria of spontaneous muscular activity and MEPs as well as structure of postoperative complications. Results. L5 displacement prior to surgery was 92.6±25.2%, after surgery — 25.4±16.6% (Z = -2.805, p = 0.005). Patients with sagittal imbalance demonstrated normalization after the surgery allowing to re-classify pathology as “balanced spondylolisthesis”: PI from 67.9±8.6 to 67.5±8.7 (Z = 0,000, p = 1,000), PT from 26.8±13.3 to 20.1±7.1 (Z = -2,090, p = 0.037), SS from 41.3±8.7 to 47.3±9.7 (Z = -1.886, p = 0.059), SA from 34.9±36.3° to 8.6±7.1° (Z = -2.803, p = 0.005). 3 cases of transient L5 radiculopathy with full regress after conservative 6 months’ treatment were reported in the early follow up period (on day 3 after procedure). Pain syndrome dynamics on VAS scale prior to and after the surgery were as follows: spine 8.1±1.0 and 0.5±0.5 (Z = -2.814, p = 0.005), lower limbs 6.8±1.5 and 0.4±0.7 (Z = -2.812, p = 0.005), respectively. Life quality indices by SRS-24 score prior to and after the surgery were 62.6±7.9 and 90.7±12.4 (Z = -2.803, p = 0.005). Mobility of spondylolisthesis was observed in 9 patients. Spondylolisthesis severity by Bridwell classification in late period scored from 1 to 3 points. Conclusion. Use of AO Spine SDSG classification along with assessment of sagittal balance as well as severity of neurological deficit and pain syndrome allow to define the severity grade of spondylolisthesis, while normalization of parameters after the surgery speaks for positive treatment outcome. Extensive release during bone-disc-bone osteotomy at L5-S1 level along with altering tilt angle of the sacrum is the key factor for mobilization and radical correction of pelvic balance in high-grade spondylolisthesis. Outcomes of surgical treatment in the analyzed cohort demonstrate significant improvement in life quality (by SRS-24 score) and reduced pain syndrome (by VAS) in patients. At the same time precise compliance to the procedure protocol and intraoperative neuro-monitoring of MEPs allow to decrease risk of complications.

Interbody Bone Graft via Transdiskal Screw Holes as Treatment for High-Grade Spondylolisthesis

Controversy exists regarding surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) in terms of decompression with surgical reduction or in situ fusion. In situ fusion has the advantage of being less technically demanding. However, the residual bone graft area is extremely limited, and posterolateral bone grafting is complex as the transverse process of the slipped vertebrae is located anterior to the sacral ala, which correlates with high rates of pseudoarthrosis. Four cases of L5/S1 HGS complaining of low back pain were treated using our new bone graft technique with an exposed osseous end plate. Transdiskal screw holes were made from the S1 pedicle, and bone chips were packed into the L5/S disk space through the screw holes. The slipped L5 vertebra was fixed with a combination of L5/S1 transdiskal and L5 pedicle screws. All cases exhibited good bony fusion, and the low back pain disappeared in all patients up to the 12-month follow-up. This technique involved packing thebone into the closed space, relieving any concerns regarding bone graft migration. Transpedicular bone graft via transdiskal screw holes is an easy and practical technique for raising the fusion rate in surgical treatment of HGS.

Two–level reverse Bohlman transsoseous approach for treatment of symptomatic pseudarthrosis

Surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis with high sacral slope remains controversial and no definitive gold standard procedure has been identified. The Bohlman technique, in which a fibular strut is reamed posteriorly across the L5–S1 disc space in an oblique, inferior to superior trajectory, has been increasingly utilized. Recently, a Reverse Bohlman technique has been described, in which a graft is reamed anteriorly across a single disc space in a superior to inferior trajectory. Case Report A 55 year-old male with complete lumbarization of S1 (referred to as L6) and previous L5–L6–S1 posterior instrumented fusion presented, with progressively worsening low back pain and lower extremity radicular pain. After failing conservative management, he underwent a 2-level Reverse Bohlman approach to place a titanium mesh interbody graft (cage) anteriorly from L5 to S1, crossing the L5–6 and L6–S1 disc spaces. Here we describe for the first time a Reverse Bohlman technique spanning two disc spaces in a patient with a transitional lumbosacral anomaly and high sacral slope. At 6 months post-operative follow up, the patient reported near complete resolution of symptoms.

A novel technique for stabilization of high-grade spondylolisthesis with transvertebral fusion without reduction

Surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis and spondyloptosis is recommended in symptomatic patients, yet there exists much debate regarding the optimal surgical approach and the need for reduction. Similar to the Bohlman technique in that fixation is achieved across two vertebral endplates, we discuss a novel technique with the advantage of using bilateral threaded pedicle screws of large diameter and length instead of a single fibula allograft. Patients underwent posterior instrumented fusion without spondylolisthesis reduction using a novel technique placing pedicle screws with a transvertebral trajectory through the two end plates involved in the spondylolisthesis. Following screw placement, patients underwent decompression ± discectomy. Screws were connected to adjacent pedicle screws either in the upper adjacent vertebrae (i.e. L5) or the more rostral adjacent vertebrae (i.e. L4) if spinal alignment or instability necessitate including additional levels of fixation. Three patients were reviewed with ages of 67, 62, 58 years, operative times of 377–790 min, estimated blood loss 400–1050 cc, and follow-up times of 478–1082 days. There were no CSF leaks, intragenic neurologic deficits post-operatively, implant failures, revisions, or other systemic events. Two patients achieve radiographic fusion assessed by CT. At the time of final follow up, all patients were satisfied and essentially pain free. This one-stage technique offers the ability to manage local malalignment with a technique that inherently minimizes risk. The minimal complications and favorable outcomes make this technique an effective, efficient and safe procedure. Additional studies will focus on long term outcomes and should include larger patient samples.

A Multicenter Evaluation of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Following High-grade Spondylolisthesis Reduction and Fusion.

A retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic outcomes from a multicenter study of surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) in adults. The objective was to assess the safety of surgical reduction, its ability to correct regional deformity, and its clinical effectiveness. Retrospective, multicenter review of adults (age above 18 y) with lumbosacral HGS (Meyerding grade 3-5) treated surgically with open decompression, attempted reduction, posterior instrumentation, and interbody fusion. Preoperative and postoperative assessment of the Meyerding grade, slip angle, and sacral inclination were performed based on standing radiographs. Preoperative visual analog scale scores were compared with those at the mean follow-up period. Prolo and Oswestry Disability Index scores at most recent follow-up were assessed. A total of 25 patients, aged 19-72 years, met inclusion criteria. Seventeen interbody cages were placed, including 15 transforaminal lumbar interbody fusions, 1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion, and 1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion. Five patients required sacral dome osteotomies. The average follow-up was 21.3 months.At most recent follow-up there was a statistically significant improvement in both the Meyerding grade and the slip angle (P<0.05). There was 1 intraoperative complication resulting in a neurological deficit (4%) and 1 intraoperative vertebral body fracture (4%). No additional surgery was required for any of these patients. There were no cases of nonunion or device failure except for 1 patient who suffered an unrelated traumatic injury 1 year after surgery. The mean Oswestry Disability Index and Prolo scores at mean follow-up of 21.3 months were 20% (minimum disability) and 8.2 (grade 1), respectively. The present study suggests that reduction, when accomplished in conjunction with wide neural element decompression and instrumented arthrodesis, is safe, effective, and durable with low rates of neurological injury, favorable clinical results, and high-fusion rates.

Short-term Complications Associated With Surgery for High-Grade Spondylolisthesis in Adults and Pediatric Patients

Although it is generally agreed upon that surgery for high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) is associated with more complications than low-grade spondylolisthesis, its description is primarily based on case reports and relatively small case series. To assess short-term complication rates associated with the surgical treatment of HGS in pediatric and adult patients and to identify factors associated with increased complication rates. All cases of HGS from the Scoliosis Research Society Morbidity and Mortality database for the year 2007 were reviewed. Patients were classified as pediatric (≤18 years) or adult (>18 years). Complications were tabulated, and the rates were compared between the patient groups and based on clinical and surgical factors. 165 cases of HGS were reported (88 pediatric, 77 adult). There were 49 complications (29.7%) in 41 patients (24.8%), with no difference in the proportions of pediatric vs adult patients with a complication (P = .86). Occurrence of new neurological deficit after surgery was the most common complication, seen in 19 (11.5%) patients. Performance of an osteotomy was associated with a higher incidence of new neurological deficits in both adult and pediatric groups (P = .02 and P = .012, respectively). Although most of the new neurological deficits improved over follow-up, 10% had no improvement. This study provides short-term complication rates associated with surgical treatment for HGS in adult and pediatric patients and may prove valuable for patient counseling, surgical planning, and in efforts to improve the safety of patient care.

Evidence-Based Medicine Analysis of Isthmic Spondylolisthesis Treatment Including Reduction Versus Fusion In Situ for High-Grade Slips

: Literature review. : The purpose of this article is to review the available literature and to attempt to formulate evidence-based recommendations for the surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis in the pediatric population. : The surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis remains controversial due to the lack of high level evidence. Prospective randomized studies have not been completed. : Through an electronic database search and published literature cross-reference, appropriate studies were identified and assigned the appropriate level of evidence. : There were no Level I or II evidence on this topic with our search. The best level of evidence that we have on this topic is retrospective comparative studies. We found 5 such articles which compared fusion in situ to reduction and fusion for high-grade spondylolisthesis. Pseudarthrosis rates are decreased by performing an instrumented reduction with a fusion. However, there is no significant difference in a clinical outcome of patients treated in situ versus reduction. : Because of the paucity of high levels of evidence, we are not able to formulate clear guidelines for treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis based on the best evidence available in the published literature.

Evaluation and Management of High-Grade Spondylolisthesis in Adults

A retrospective review was performed on 21 adult patients surgically treated with high-grade spondylolisthesis (Grade III, IV, or V). Additionally, the natural history, classification, and surgical alternatives for high-grade spondylolisthesis in the adult are discussed through literature review. The purpose of this article is to review the clinical and radiographic outcomes of surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis in the adult from a single institution. The natural history and treatment options for these adults are described in this review. High-grade spondylolisthesis is typically diagnosed and treated in the child or adolescent. Most patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis received surgical treatment during their adolescence. Some patients, however, remain minimally symptomatic for life without surgery. Little has been written on the natural history or treatment of adults with high grades of spondylolisthesis. Most of the published reports on the surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis pertain to skeletally immature patients and maybe include a few adults in their series. Nonetheless, the different techniques of surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis that have been described in these studies can help the spinal surgeon in treatment options for this rare but difficult spinal deformity. A literature review of the published manuscripts on the treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis was performed with particular attention to the natural history and surgical treatment involving adult patients. Adult patients (older than 21 years) with high-grade spondylolisthesis treated surgically were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' clinical charts and radiographs were reviewed before and after surgery. Determination of fusion success, clinical outcome, and complications were performed. Twenty-one consecutive adults with high-grade spondylolisthesis who underwent lumbar spinal surgery were review retrospectively between 1990 and 2004. There were 13 females and 8 males with an average age of 35 years (range, 21-68 years). The average follow-up was 6.6 years. There were 11 Grade III, 6 Grade IV, and 4 Grade V slips, including 4 acquired and 17 developmental spondylolistheses. There were no pseudarthroses or significant instrumentation failures. There was 1 case of a complete cauda equina syndrome on a patient with preoperative symptoms of an incomplete cauda equina syndrome. Adult patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis not responding to nonoperative treatment can be stabilized in situ with posterior instrumentation from L4 to S1. The use of adjunctive fixation with iliac screws and/or transvertebral screws is recommended for the adult patient, particularly in revision or unstable cases. Reduction of the slipped vertebrae remains controversial for all grades of spondylolisthesis and more so for the adult patient. Partial reduction of the slip angle, decreasing the lumbosacral kyphosis, should be considered if significant sagittal malalignment is present or to improve arthrodesis success. Anterior column support should be performed, particularly when reduction has been obtained. Anterior column support can be performed, anteriorly or posteriorly, either by using inter vertebral body structural strut support or with a transsacral fibular dowel to improve stability and success of arthrodesis.

The axial cage: a pilot study for interbody fusion in higher-grade spondylolisthesis

Background context: The surgical treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis is challenging. Posterolateral fusion alone has a high rate of pseudarthrosis. Surgical stabilization of higher-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis with a fibula strut graft is an effective technique but is associated with harvest site morbidity and graft fractures. Purpose: We hypothesized that a lumbar interbody fusion with a long, threaded titanium cage, packed with cancellous bone, inserted across the center of the spondylolisthesis, would provide the rigid immobilization necessary for successful arthrodesis. This would, therefore, eliminate the need for fibula harvest and possibly reduce the need for posterior instrumentation. Study design/setting: Prospective, study cohort of 11 consecutive patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Patient sample: Patients with higher-grade spondylolisthesis (grade II–IV) were considered eligible. Outcome measures: Pain was measured with a 10-point Numerical Rating Score (NRS). The Oswestry Disability Index (OSI) was used to assess patient function. Patients also responded to a satisfaction scale to evaluate satisfaction with their outcome. Radiographs were reviewed 1, 3, 6, 12, and, when available, 24 months after surgery. Methods: We reviewed our clinical results and technical outcomes in 11 consecutive patients who underwent this unique form of anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a custom axial cage. Results: There were no surgical or postoperative complications. Serial x-rays revealed no implant subsidence or loosening. There have been no implant fractures or reoperation. Clinical results have been excellent with significant pain reduction and improved function. At 1 year after surgery the mean NRS was 3.5 (range, 0–7), a significant average reduction of 5.0 points. ( p<.001) All patients have been satisfied with their results. Conclusions: The axial cage technique appears to be a significant improvement over the fibular strut graft for the treatment of higher-grade spondylolisthesis. It provides significant reduction in pain, significant improvement in function, high patient satisfaction, and avoids the morbidity and fracture risks associated with fibular strut grafting.

Reduction of high-grade spondylolisthesis using Edwards instrumentation.

Sixteen patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis (Grade III or higher) who underwent posterior decompression and reduction using the Edwards Modular Spine System (Spinal System Ltd., Baltimore, MD) were reviewed clinically and radiographically. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of one specific reduction technique to treat patients with high-grade spondylolisthesis where there has been a loss of sagittal balance, intractable pain, and/or neurologic deficit. The average age of our patients was 20 years. Preoperative slippage averaged 89%; preoperative slip angle averaged 50 degrees. Indications for surgery were back and leg pain, progression of slippage (in 9 patients), and/or the inability to stand upright with the knees straight. Pre- and postoperative radiographic films were reviewed. The percent slip and the slip angle were measured pre- and postoperatively. Clinical data were obtained via chart review, telephone interview, and/or office visit. The average preoperative slip was 89%; postoperatively, the average slip was 29%. Slip angle averaged 50 degrees preoperatively and improved to a postoperative average of 24 degrees. Three patients had neurologic impairment postoperatively; one did not resolve. Four patients had hardware failure; all were revised. Ten patients had an excellent result, 5 patients had a good result, and 1 patient had a fair result. The average follow-up was 3.8 years. This procedure is technically demanding and is subject to the known risks of surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis. For select patients, it may be effective for reducing severe deformity and can be expected to afford good to excellent results. Improved sacral fixation may reduce the rate of hardware-related complications.