Journal List > J Korean Soc Spine Surg > v.12(4) > 1035682

Park, Cho, Kim, and Cho: Effect of Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Maintaining the Reduction in Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Study Design

This is a retrospective study on the effect of posterior lumbar interbody fusion for maintaining the reduction in isthmic spondylolisthesis patients.

Objectives

We evaluated the efficacy of performing posterior lumbar interbody fusion for maintaining the reduction in isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Summary of the Literature Review

There have been many reports regarding the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis. A lthough there are many reports that the clinical results have nothing to do with the reduction, many surgeons have tried to maintain the reduction. However, the question about what kind of fusion modality is the most effective for maintaining the reduction is still controversial.

Material and Method

Between A ugust 2002 and January 2004, 24 patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis were operated on.14 underwent posterolateral fusion alone (group A) and 10 underwent additional posterior interbody fusion (group B). These two groups were compared in terms of the clinical results, the radiological changes and fusion rates. Results: the reduction rate were 11.81% and 7.32% in the PLF and PLF+PLIF groups, respectively (p>0.05). The reduction losses were 0.19% and 0.35% in the PLF and PLF+PLIF groups, respectively (p>0.05). The changes after fusion were 0.11% and 0.10% in the PLF and PLF+PLIF groups, respectively (p>0.05). There was no case of nonunion. The satisfaction rates were 86% and 83% in the PLF and PLF+PLIF groups, respectively (p>0.05).

Conclusions

In our study, the addition of posterior interbody fusion showed no benefit in maintaining correction. If solid fusion can be obtained, then posterolateral fusion seems to be sufficient enough to maintain correction in isthmic spondylolisthesis. The authors think that further studies are mandatory because of the small number subjects in our study.

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Fig. 1.
(A) Preoperative lateral radiograph of 49-year-old female shows grade II isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 level. (B) Postoperative lateral radiograph shows the reduction of spondylolisthesis (48% → 20%). (C) Radiographs at 24 months follow up examination shows maintenance of reduction with solid bony union.
jkss-12-331f1.tif
Fig. 2.
(A) Preoperative lateral radiographs of 46-year-old female shows grade II isthmic spondylolisthesis at L4-5 level. (B) Postoperative lateral radiographs shows the reduction of spondylolisthesis (33% → 13%). (C) Radiograph and CT scan at 26 months follow up examination shows maintanace of reduction with solid bony union.
jkss-12-331f2.tif
Table 1.
Lenke's fusion grade
A Solid, big trabeculated fusion bilaterally (definitely solid)
B Solid, big fusion mass unilaterally with a small fusion mass on the contralateral aspect (possibly solid)
C Small, thin fusion masses bilaterally with apparent crack (probably not solid)
D Graft resorption bilaterally or fusion mass with obvious bilateral pseudoarthrosis (definitely not solid)
Table 2.
Katz's satisfaction scale How Satisfied Are You With:
The overall result of back operation?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Relief of pain following the operation?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Your ability to walk following the operation?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Your ability to do housework, yard work, or job following the operation?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Your strength in the thighs, legs, and feet?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Your balance, or steadiness on your feet?
Very satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Somewhat dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
Table 3.
Loss of Reduction
  Preop. Postop. Fusion Final F/U Reduction Rate Reduction Loss
A 22.76% 10.89% 10.97% 11.08% 11.81% 0.19%
B 20.28% 12.96% 13.21% 13.31% 07.32% 0.35%
P-value         00.241 0.2810
Table 4.
The diagraph shows the grade of spondylolisthesis in group A and group B respectively at preoperative, postoperative, com-plete bone union and last follow up. There is minimal change from postoperative to final follow up.
jkss-12-331t1.tif
Table 5.
Radiologic Finding
  Lenke A Lenke B Lenke C Lenke D
A 9 5 0 0
B 6 4 0 0
Total 150 9 0 0
Table 6.
Clinical Results
  Excellent Good Fair Poor
A 7 5 2 0
B 5 3 2 0
Total 12 8 4 0
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