Symptomatic Spondylolisthesis Research Articles

Spinal Pathology and Muscle Morphologies with Chronic Low Back Pain and Lower Limb Amputation.

Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent after lower limb amputation (LLA) and contributes to substantial reductions in quality of life and function. Towards understanding pathophysiological mechanisms underlying LBP after LLA, this article compares lumbar spine pathologies and muscle morphologies between individuals with LBP, with and without LLA. We queried electronic medical records of Service members with and without LLA who sought care for LBP at military treatment facilities between January 2002 and May 2020. Two groups with cLBP, one with (n = 15) and one without unilateral transtibial LLA (n = 15), were identified and randomly chosen from a larger sample. Groups were matched by age, mass, and sex. Lumbar muscle morphology, Pfirrmann grades, Modic changes, facet arthrosis, Meyerding grades, and lordosis angle were determined from radiographs and magnetic resonance images available in the medical record. Independent t-tests compared variables between cohorts while multiple regression models determined if intramuscular fat influenced Pfirrmann grades. Chi-square determined differences in presence of spondylolysis and facet arthrosis. Lordosis angle was larger with LLA (P = 0.01). Spondylolysis was more prevalent with LLA (P = 0.008; 40%) whereas facet arthrosis was similar between cohorts (P = 0.3). Muscle area was not different between cohorts, yet intramuscular fat was greater with LLA (P ≤ 0.05). Intramuscular fat did not influence Pfirrmann grades (P > 0.15). Despite similar lumbar muscle size, those with unilateral LLA may be predisposed to progress to symptomatic spondylolisthesis and intramuscular fat. Surgical and/or rehabilitation interventions may mitigate long-term effects of diminished spinal health, decrease LBP-related disability, and improve function for individuals with LLA.

The Functional Outcome of Surgical Management of Spondylolisthesis with Posterior Stabilization and Fusion.

Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition characterized by the forward displacement of one vertebra over another, leading to instability and associated symptoms. Surgical intervention is often recommended for patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis unresponsive to conservative treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the functional outcomes of surgical management utilizing posterior stabilization and fusion techniques in patients with spondylolisthesis. This is a prospective study conducted on 30 patients who underwent surgical treatment for spondylolisthesis with posterior trans-pedicular screw fixation with conventional or reduction screws and fusion. Meyerding's grade of listhesis, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and pain scores such as visual analog scale (VAS), numerical rating scale 11 (NRS-11), and pain relief rate were used to analyze the functional outcome. Postoperatively, Meyerding's grade of listhesis and the JOA score had improved significantly. The ODI score and pain scores such as VAS, NRS-11, and pain relief rate were better after surgical interventions. There was full motor recovery in 13 patients and 14 patients had full sensory recovery, while six patients had sensory blunting at the time of the time of the last follow-up. Twenty-six (80.7%) patients had clinically successful results and radiological/clinical fusion while four of the patients did not achieve a clinically successful result and radiological/clinical fusion. The average time for bony fusion was 5.58 months with the earliest being 4 months and the latest 12 months. Intraoperatively, one patient had screw slippage and one had a dural tear. Postoperatively, four patients had infection, two patients were presented with deep infection, and the instrumentation had been removed. This study demonstrated favorable functional outcomes and improvements in pain, disability, and quality of life measures following surgical intervention.

Factors associated with an increased risk of developing postoperative symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis after decompression surgery: an explorative two-centre international cohort study

PurposeSymptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis can be treated with decompression surgery. A recent review reported that, after decompression surgery, 1.6–32.0% of patients develop postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis and may therefore be indicated for lumbar fusion surgery. The latter can be more challenging due to the altered anatomy and scar tissue. It remains unclear why some patients get recurrent neurological complaints due to postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis, though some associations have been suggested. This study explores the association between key demographic, biological and radiological factors and postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis after lumbar decompression.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients who had undergone lumbar spinal decompression surgery between January 2014 and December 2016 at one of two Spine Centres in the Netherlands or Switzerland and had a follow-up of two years. Patient characteristics, details of the surgical procedure and recurrent neurological complaints were retrieved from patient files. Preoperative MRI scans and conventional radiograms (CRs) of the lumbar spine were evaluated for multiple morphological characteristics. Postoperative spondylolisthesis was evaluated on postoperative MRI scans. For variables assessed on a whole patient basis, patients with and without postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis were compared. For variables assessed on the basis of the operated segment(s), surgical levels that did or did not develop postoperative spondylolisthesis were compared. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations with postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis.ResultsSeven hundred and sixteen patients with 1094 surgical levels were included in the analyses. (In total, 300 patients had undergone multilevel surgery.) ICCs for intraobserver and interobserver reliability of CR and MRI variables ranged between 0.81 and 0.99 and 0.67 and 0.97, respectively. In total, 66 of 716 included patients suffered from postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis (9.2%). Multivariable regression analyses of patient-basis variables showed that being female [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95%CI 1.07–3.09] was associated with postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis. Higher BMI (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.88–0.99) was associated with a lower probability of having postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis.Multivariable regression analyses of surgical level-basis variables showed that levels with preoperative spondylolisthesis (OR 17.30, 95%CI 10.27–29.07) and the level of surgery, most importantly level L4L5 compared with levels L1L3 (OR 2.80, 95%CI 0.78–10.08), were associated with postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis; greater facet joint angles (i.e. less sagittal-oriented facets) were associated with a lower probability of postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.95–0.99).ConclusionBeing female was associated with a higher probability of having postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis, while having a higher BMI was associated with a lower probability. When looking at factors related to postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis at the surgical level, preoperative spondylolisthesis, more sagittal orientated facet angles and surgical level (most significantly level L4L5 compared to levels L1L3) showed significant associations. These associations could be used as a basis for devising patient selection criteria, stratifying patients or performing subgroup analyses in future studies regarding decompression surgery with or without fusion.

Lumbar Spondylolisthesis in Rheumatological Practice in Lome (Togo): Frequency and Semiological Profile

Objectives: To determine the frequency, the clinical and radiological features of lumbar spondylolisthesis in a rheumatological practice in Lomé. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the rheumatology department of the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in Lomé between January 1997 and December 2019. Medical records of patients with symptomatic spondylolisthesis with radiographic confirmation were reviewed. The Meyerding classification system was used for grading. Results: Of the 350 patients contacted, 118 consented to participate in the study, making a response rate of 33.71%. Of the 118, 104 (88.1%) were females. 109 (92.4%) presented with radicular pain and 9 (7.6%) presented low back pain. The mean age of the patients was 54.24 ± 11.19 years. The average duration of the pain was 4.56 ± 1.32 years. The spondylolisthesis level most involved was the L4 - L5 (92/118), followed by L5 - S1 (23/118). 106 (89.8%) patients had anterolisthesis only, seven (5.9%) combination anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis. The spondylolisthesis was associated with spondylosis in 110 (93.2%) patients. Spondylosis was found at level L4 - L5 in 38.98% patients, followed by L5 - S1 (24.58%), L3 - L4 (18.64%). Grade I slip was found in 108 (91.53%) patients and Grade II slips 10 (8.47%). Isthmic lysis was found in 40 (33.9%) patients and it was located at L4 in 30 (75.0%). Conclusion: Lumbar spondylolisthesis appears to be expected in Lomé patients with nonspecific back pain and mainly affects females.

Trans-isthmic pars interarticularis screw fixation under CT and fluoroscopic guidance: technical success and clinical outcome in patients with symptomatic low-grade lumbar isthmic lysis.

To assess the technical success of trans-isthmic screw fixation with simultaneous CT and fluoroscopic guidance in patients with symptomatic low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Fifty patients (28 women and 22 men; mean age ± standard deviation: 50 years ± 18.9) presenting with symptomatic low back pain with isthmic spondylolisthesis refractory to medical management were treated by means of trans-isthmic pars interarticularis percutaneous screw fixation. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia with double CT and fluoroscopic guidance. Primary outcome was technical success of the procedure, which was assessed with a post-procedure CT using the same success criteria as surgical screw placement with regard to entry point, trajectory, and screw tip. Secondary outcome was pain decrease assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Ninety-nine procedures were performed in 50 patients and 99 screws were inserted. Postoperative CT assessment showed satisfactory screw placement in 96 cases, reflecting a technical success rate of 96.9%. No complications occurred during or after the procedure. Pain assessment showed a pain decrease of VAS score from a median of 7 (min 5, max 10; MAD 1.4) to 2 (p < 0.0001) (min 0, max 7, MAD 1.7) with a mean follow-up of 39 months. Trans-isthmic screw fixation performed under CT and fluoroscopic guidance presents a high technical success and appears as a safe procedure and effective procedure in patients with symptomatic low-grade isthmic lysis. • Trans-isthmic pars interarticularis percutaneous screw insertion is feasible under double CT and fluoroscopic guidance by a radiologist with a high technical success. • This technique can be performed under local anesthesia only. • In patients with chronic low back pain, isthmic screwing allows long-term pain improvement.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion-Early Experience Using a Biplanar Expandable Cage for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) is a surgical technique frequently used to treat symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis. We aim to investigate the safety and efficacy of using a biplanar expandable cage in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis using a MIS TLIF approach. A retrospective review of patient records was performed on patients who underwent MIS TLIF for symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis using the FlareHawk cage over a 12-month period. Patient demographics, as well as preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiographic outcome measures were recorded and analyzed. A total of 13 consecutive patients underwent MIS TLIF for symptomatic spondylolisthesis during the study period. The mean age was 60.2 ± 13.9 years, and 61.5% were female. The mean preoperative and postoperative slippage was 7.0 ± 3.0 mm and 1.0 ± 1.9 mm, respectively. The preoperative mean segmental lordosis was 5.1° ± 6.0°, mean anterior, posterior disc, and foraminal height were 9.1 ± 3.9 mm, 5.7 ± 1.5 mm, and 11.0 ± 2.0 mm, respectively. The postoperative mean segmental lordosis was 6.8° ± 4.7°, and mean anterior, posterior disc, and foraminal height were 11.4 ± 2.2 mm, 7.8 ± 1.0 mm, and 12.3 ± 1.3 mm. There was improvement in all radiographic parameters postoperatively. The mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back pain, VAS leg pain improved from 7.0 ± 2.9 and 5.1 ± 3.0 preoperatively to 3.1 ± 2.9 and 1.1 ± 1.7 at the latest clinic follow-up visit, respectively (P = .0081). The mean EuroQol-Five Dimensions (EQ5D) score improved from 0.37 ± 1.7 to 0.66 ± 0.23 after surgery. There was no subsidence, endplate violation, cage migration, or other implant-related complications. No patient required reoperation. The biplanar expandable cage is both safe and efficacious in treating symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis using the MIS TLIF approach. Spine surgeons should be familiar with the biplanar expandable cage technology and keep it in their armamentarium in surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis. 4.

Poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) augmented fenestrated pedicle screw fixation for reduction and stabilization of symptomatic spondylolisthesis

Not many studies evaluate the clinical outcome of Poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) screws for reduction of spondylolisthesis and there are no studies discussing the relation of bone mineral density in patients requiring PMMA screws. This retrospective study involves 32 patients who required PMMA augmented screws during surgery of the 165 patients operated for symptomatic spondylolisthesis. The average T-score of patients requiring PMMA augmentation was -2.52 in male and -2.364 in female groups.Overall outcome was good. PMMA augmented screws for reduction of listhesis in osteoporotic spines is a safe and effective technique and it cannot be preplanned with T-score value alone.

Evaluation of surgery in degenerative spondylolisthesis: A non randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Although, the non operative treatment modalities of degenerative spondylolisthesis remained relatively unchanged during the past two decades, the number of surgical options has increased rapidly over the same period. The optimal surgical technique to treat symptomatic spondylolisthesis has not been determined. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, non-randomizedstudy, 56 patients of degenerative spondylolisthesis who have failed to conservative treatment for a minimum period of 3 months were subjected to surgery (decompressive laminectomyplus posterolateral instrumentation with pedicle screwsplus intertransverse process arthrodesis with autologous bone graft) to compare the intensity of pain and degree of disability pre-operatively and post operatively at six months follow up using self-administered questionnaire and radiological assessment. Results: The degree of spondylolisthesis was reduced post operatively (23.11% vs15.19%; p on visual analogue scale was also reduced post operatively (7.52 0.68 vs 0.300.74; p disabilities including paresthesia(16.1% vs 1.8%), hypoesthesia (48.2% vs 32.1%), weakness (48.2% vs 28.6%), stiffness(7.1% vs 0), and urinary symptoms (12.5% vs 1.8%) were also significantly (p reduced postoperatively. Cocnclusion: Surgical treatment including decompression,posterolateral fusion and arthrodesis offers a great benefit in degenerative spondylolisthesis. Keywords: Surgical treatment, Decompression, Posterolateral fusion, Arthrodesis, Spondylolisthesis.

Does the awareness of having a lumbar spondylolisthesis influence self-efficacy and kinesiophobia? A retrospective analysis

BackgroundHigh pain self-efficacy and low kinesiophobia seem related to a better prognosis in patients complaining of low back pain (LBP). The literature stresses the potential negative effects of anatomical defect diagnosis (e.g. lumbar spondylolisthesis) on the psychological profile. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between awareness of having a spondylolisthesis, pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia.MethodsA secondary retrospective analysis was done. Ninety-eight subjects with subacute and chronic LBP were included: 49 subjects with diagnosed symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis and 49 subjects with diagnosed non-specific LBP. The pain self-efficacy measured with the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and the fear of movement measured with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia were considered variables to investigate, whereas diagnosis and demographic/clinical variables were considered predictors or potential confounders.ResultsBy comparing the two groups, the awareness of having a spondylolisthesis did not significantly influence neither pain self-efficacy (p = 0.82), nor kinesiophobia (p = 0.75). Higher perceived pain reduces pain self-efficacy and increases kinesiophobia in both groups (p = 0.002 and p = 0,031 respectively).ConclusionsIt seems that the awareness of an anatomical defect as spondylolisthesis does not significantly affect the beliefs of carry out activities and movements despite the pain. Other studies with wider samples are required, to confirm these preliminary results.

The clinical efficacy of Shi-style lumbar manipulations for symptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: protocol for a randomized, blinded, controlled trial

BackgroundSymptomatic degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) presents spinal problems in daily life. Shi-style lumbar manipulation (SLM), as an alternative treatment for DLS, is popular in China. SLM is based on the channels and collaterals theory of the traditional Chinese medicine, in which the symptoms are believed to result from channel blockage and joint displacement. However, there is no solid evidence to show the effect of the SLM on the management of symptomatic DLS.Methods/designWe conduct a prospective randomized, blinded, controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of SLM with mechanical lumbar traction and explore whether it could be a potential therapy for symptomatic DLS. A total of 60 patients with symptomatic DLS will be enrolled and treated with the SLM or mechanical lumbar traction for 2 weeks. VAS score and SF-36 questionnaire were assessed at baseline and at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Any signs of acute adverse reactions, such as lower limb paralysis or syndrome of cauda equina, will be recorded at each visit during treatment.DiscussionAlthough the SLM has been used in China for many years to treat symptomatic DLS, there is a lack of consensus about its effectiveness. This trial will provide convincing evidence about the effect of SLM on symptomatic DLS.Trial registrationRegistered on 6 January 2019; the trial number is ChiCTR1900020519.

Trans-isthmic pars interarticularis screwing under double CT and fluorcopic guidance : procedure accuracy and one year follow-up in patients with symptomatic low-grade lumbar isthmic lysis

Background To assess the accuracy of percutaneous trans-isthmic screwing with combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance guidance in patients with symptomatic low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. Materials and methods Fifty patients (28 women and 22 men, average age 50 years-old [min 17–max 80 ; SD 18.9]) with symptomatic low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis refractory to medical treatment were treated by means of trans isthmic percutaneous screwing. The procedure was carried out under local anaesthesia with combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance. Primary outcome was the technical success of the procedure which was assessed on post operative CT using the same success criteria as surgical screw placement (Fig 1). Secondary outcome was pain decrease assessed by VAS score improvement. Results Ninety-nine procedures were performed in 50 patients and 99 screws were inserted. Post operative CT assessment showed satisfactory screw placement in 96 cases, that is a technical success rate of 96.9 %. No complication were noted intra or post operatively. Pain assessment showed a pain decrase of VAS score from 7,8 (Min 5, Max 10 ; SD 1,6) to 2,9 (Min 0, Max 7 ; SD 2,1) with a mean follow-up of 22 months. Discussion The results show a technical success rate of the percutaneous procedure under combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance similar to the surgical approach, and a significant VAS improvement. This study confirms preliminary results obtained on smaller cohort of patients. Conclusion Percutaneous trans-isthmic screwing under combined CT and fluoroscopic guidance allow accurate trans isthmic screwing in patients with symptomatic low grade isthmic lysis, and a satisfying pain reduction following the procedure.

Difference of Sagittal Alignment between Adolescents with Symptomatic Lumbar Isthmic Spondylolisthesis and the General Population

This case-control study aimed to investigate differences in the sagittal spinal parameters between the symptomatic spondylolisthesis patients and the general population. Twenty-nine adolescent patients with symptomatic lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis were included. For each patient, two age-matched, gender-matched and BMI-matched controls were enrolled. Comparison analyses detected higher values in the case group for the following parameters: CL (−22.06 ± 7.552° versus −20.36 ± 7.016°, P < 0.001), T1 Slope (19.84 ± 8.708° versus 13.99 ± 6.537°, P = 0.001), PT (21.54 ± 9.082° versus 8.87 ± 7.863°, P < 0.001), PI (64.45 ± 13.957° versus 43.60 ± 9.669°, P < 0.001), SS (42.90 ± 9.183° versus 34.73 ± 8.265°, P < 0.001), LL (−50.82 ± 21.596° versus −43.78 ± 10.356°, P = 0.042), SVA (16.99 ± 14.625 mm versus 0.32 ± 31.824 mm, P = 0.009), L5 Slope (33.95 ± 13.567° versus 19.03 ± 6.809°, P < 0.001), and L5I (8.90 ± 6.556° versus 1.29 ± 6.726°, P < 0.001). Conversely, TS-CL (6.56 ± 6.716° versus 11.04 ± 7.085°, P = 0.006), cSVA (11.31 ± 6.867 mm versus 17.92 ± 11.832 mm, P = 0.007), and TLK (−2.66 ± 10.101° versus 2.71 ± 7.708°, P = 0.007) were smaller in the case group. Slippage percentage was most correlated with PI (r = 0.530, P = 0.003), followed by PT (r = 0.465, P = 0.011) and L5I (r = 0.433, P = 0.019). Results of binary logistic regression showed that the main risk factor of isthmic spondylolisthesis was PI (OR = 1.145, 95%CI = 1.083–1.210, P < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis also showed that PI was the main risk factor of isthmic spondylolisthesis in the female adolescents (OR = 1.237, 95%CI = 1.086–1.493, P = 0.003) and in the male adolescents (OR = 1.523, 95%CI = 1.093–2.123, P = 0.013). PI was the main risk factor for adolescent symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis in the Chinese Han adolescents. The greater PI indicated the higher the progressive risk of spondylolisthesis. In these isthmic spondylolisthesis adolescents, the body always inclined forward and lumbar and cervical lordosis increased.

Operative Outcome of Instrumented Posterior Spinal Fusion with Free Bone Graft in Symptomatic Isthmic Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis in Adults

Operative Outcome of Instrumented Posterior Spinal Fusion with Free Bone Graft in Symptomatic Isthmic Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis in Adults

Single oblique cage posterior lumbar interbody fusion with local bone graft as an alternative to double straight-ahead cages posterior lumbar interbody fusion with iliac crest graft

Background Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a fusion technique with reliable and rapid fusion results. The traditional technique describes the use of two cages filled with bone graft and inserted in a straight-ahead direction within the prepared disc space. Bone graft used is usually harvested from the posterior iliac crest. This study evaluates the use of a single cage inserted diagonally through unilateral discectomy and filled with bone fragments obtained from the local decompression procedure. Patients and methods Fourteen patients underwent pedicle screw-rod supplemented PLIF and spinal canal decompression for symptomatic spinal canal stenosis, instability, or spondylolisthesis refractive to conservative treatment. PLIF was performed using a single PEEK cage filled with impacted graft from the locally excised bone. The PEEK cage was inserted into the prepared intervertebral disc space in an oblique (diagonal) manner to obtain near-symmetrical end-plate loading across the midline. Results The mean follow-up period was 15 months. The mean duration of surgery was 170 and 225 min for single-level and double-level fusions, respectively. The mean volume of blood loss was 850 and 1050 ml for single-level and double-level fusions, respectively. The mean duration for hospital stay was 5 days. Postoperative radiographs showed a mean increase in the disc height by 24.4% and a mean increase in lordosis angle by 4.3°. Pain and functional scores showed marked improvement. The mean Visual Analog Scale decreased from 7.8 to 2.2. The mean Oswestry Disability Index decreased from 82 to 28. The mean Economic Prolo Scale was 3.2 whereas the Functional Prolo Scale was 3.8. Interbody fusion was assessed using lateral radiographs. Loss of demarcation of the bony end-plates with consolidation of graft through the cage was the indication of successful fusion. At final follow-up, 10 patients showed solid fusion, three patients showed delayed fusion, and one patient showed loss of reduction of spondylolisthesis after a traumatic incident and required a revision surgery. Yet, patients with delayed union did show similar improvement to those with early union on the Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability Index. Conclusion The use of single unilateral and obliquely inserted PEEK cage is an effective safe procedure for interbody fusion that gives comparable results to the traditional double-cage technique while shortens the operative time, lowers the blood volume loss, and also lowers the cost for implants used without endangering reliability of the technique.

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.

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...

Fusion Outcomes in Symptomatic Spondylolisthesis.

Fusion Outcomes in Symptomatic Spondylolisthesis.

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.

Standard versus Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Prospective Randomized Study.

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. We enrolled patients with at least 6 months of symptoms and image-confirmed low-grade spondylolisthesis, 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. Forty patients were enrolled in each group. The differences in mean operative time and estimated blood loss were not statistically significant between the two groups. The patients were discharged after surgery at 4.12 days for the S TLIF group and 1.92 days for the MI TLIF group. The ODI improvement was similar and statistically significant in both groups. The fusion was considered solid in 36 (90%) of patients at 1 year in both groups. In conclusion, the two techniques provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes at 1 year. The patients undergoing MI TLIF had a shorter hospital stay. This trial is registered with NCT03155789.

A Missed Diagnosis of Cervical Spine Fracture in Alcohol Intoxicated Patient

Introduction: A significant cervico-thoracic spondylolisthesis with bilateral facet joint dislocation is very unstable and can lead to devastating consequences if not diagnosed early. Symptomatic spondylolisthesis is frequently missed at Emergency Department (ED) due to various reasons. Besides inadequate radiographs, lack of cooperation by patients who are under alcohol intoxication is also one of the causative factors resulting in missed diagnosis of cervical spine fracture during the clinical assessment. Case Presentation: Forty three year old man, a chronic alcoholic presented to our emergency department with a missed diagnosis of C7-T1 anterolisthesis with bilateral facet joint dislocation. He had a fall from a height and sustained neck pain. Patient had multiple visits to our ED for the same complaint and was noted intoxicated with alcohol during both his visits. The radiograph images of the cervical spine did not include the vertebral spine below C6 in lateral view. It was interpreted as negative for fracture or dislocation, therefore the patient was discharged with analgesics. Subsequently, the patient developed bilateral lower limb weakness and loss of function of his fingers. Conclusion: An accurate and detailed history, physical examination and diagnostic imaging are essential for the diagnosis of cervical spine injury in alcohol intoxicated patients. These are not to be missed in order to avoid medico legal issues in the future. This case will not be missed if the fundamental rules of assessing a cervical lateral x-ray are followed.