Clinical evaluation of lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF/TLIF) done for spondylolysthesis at L4-L5 level

Abstract

Lumbar pain due to spondylolysthesis (DLS) in the elderly especially the rural Indian population involved in farming and agriculture hard work is a common and incapacitating problem. Aims: Degenerative Lysthesis of L4-L5 level is commonly observed with associated disc degeneration leading to foraminal stenosis causing radiculopathy and neuroclaudication. Methods and Material: We have done a short term prospective follow- up of 26 patients treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with titanium pedicular screws and cage for L4-L5 degenerative spondylolysthesis (DLS) for 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) criteria and MacNab’s criteria. Statistical analysis used: Chi- Square Test or Mc Nemers Chi- Square Test. Results: The rate of improvement as calculated from the JOA score improved from 8.34 preoperatively to 72.19 at 6 months post-operative after PLIF for DLS and also good to excellent results in 84.61% cases according to Mac Nab’s criteria. Conclusions: Hence we conclude that PLIF for DLS significantly improves quality of life post –operatively because of relief of back pain and neurological symptoms.