Outcomes of instrumented posterolateral fusion in patients with low grade lumbar spondylolisthesis

Abstract

Background: Spondylolisthesis the forward slippage of a cephalad vertebra on a caudal vertebra. Fusion is the recommended procedure for spondylolisthesis. However, choice between the different methods of fusion remains under debate. Posterolateral fusion with posterior instrumentation (PLF) has shown good clinical outcomes and fusion rates. Objectives: To study clinical and radiological outcomes of PLF in grade 1 and 2 spondylolisthesis. Methods: This is a prospective study of 30 patients who underwent PLF and followed up for 2 years. The outcome measures were (1) clinical outcomes as assessed with a visual analogue scale and the Modified Oswestry Disability Index, (2) the fusion rate based on radiographs. Results: There was a significant improvement in VAS of low back pain (82.45%, p< 0.001) and VAS of radiating (93.55%; p< 0.001). The ODI scores were significantly improved (69.86%, p< 0.001) at 2 years follow up. The fusion rate was 70% and 63.33% patients reported excellent outcomes. Conclusion: Based on 2 year clinical outcomes and the fusion rates of PLF, we conclude that PLF is an excellent surgical procedure for management of low grade spondylolisthesis.