Faculty Collaboration Database

Adult isthmic spondylolisthesis. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2009 Oct;17(10):609-17

Date

10/02/2009

Pubmed ID

19794218

DOI

10.5435/00124635-200910000-00003

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-70350155313 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   45 Citations

Abstract

Isthmic spondylolisthesis is present in a small subset of the adult population. Although the incidence of low back pain in these persons is similar to that of the general population, both pars interarticularis defect and forward slip can serve as unique pain generators. Neurologic symptoms may result from nerve root impingement related to the pars defect or degenerative changes associated with the deformity. Most symptomatic cases are successfully managed nonsurgically, but patients with intractable pain or neurologic symptoms may benefit from surgical decompression and stabilization. Surgical intervention has shown >80% success in appropriately selected patients, with a low incidence of complications. Surgical techniques include decompression, posterolateral fusion, anterior lumbosacral interbody fusion, and circumferential fusion methods. Circumferential fusion results in improved fusion rates and, in some studies, superior clinical outcomes. The choice of procedure is generally guided by the patient's radiographic and clinical findings as well as risk-benefit considerations.

Author List

Jones TR, Rao RD

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Decompression, Surgical
Humans
Low Back Pain
Lumbar Vertebrae
Radiography
Sacrum
Spinal Fusion
Spondylolisthesis