Surgical management of Spondylolisthesis by pedicular screw rod system and postero-lateral fusion

Abstract

Introduction: Incidence of Spondylolisthesis in general population is 5-7%. No matter what the etiology is, patients usually have significant functional disability. Few studies have investigated the long term effect of posterolateral fusion on functional outcome. Methodology: From July 2009 to September 2011, a total of 43 patients, operated with postero lateral fusion were followed up and evaluated based on VAS for low back pain, ODI and neurological deficits. Results: Follow up was 83% of original study population (43). Average follow up was 13 months. The mean difference between pre-operative and post-operative VAS at final follow up was 3.5 cms (SD= 2.94); ODI was 28% at 4 months and 36% at 8 months. Claudication pain relieved in all; functional outcome was Good in 67%, Fair in 27.5% and Failed in 5.5%; 75% had fusion at an average of 5.5 months. Conclusion: PLF is still a safe, promising and appealing technique especially in low grade listhesis, even though PLIF and TLIF have come up in a large way.