• Pietro Bartolozzi, Andrea Sandri, Marco Cassini, and Matteo Ricci.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Verona University School of Medicine, Verona, Italy. ortopvr@libero.it
• Spine. 2003 Jun 1;28(11):1135-41.

Study DesignA retrospective clinical study was conducted.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of one-stage posterior decompression-stabilization after partial reduction and trans-sacral interbody fusion with a titanium cage for severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis.Summary Of The Background DataTrans-sacral interbody fusion for the management of severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis with or without partial reduction and pedicular fixation has been previously described. The use of a trans-sacral titanium cage has not been previously reported.MethodsFifteen patients with severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis were treated consecutively with posterior decompression, partial reduction, pedicular fixation, and posterior lumbar interbody fusion using a trans-sacral titanium cage. The mean age at the time of surgery was 22.4 years (range, 11-37 years). The mean follow-up period was 31.4 months (range, 12-58 months). Nine patients had severe back pain and six patients radicular pain. Three patients had a partial unilateral L5 motor deficit and two an L5 sensory deficit. Five patients had extremely tight hamstrings. The mean preoperative percentage of slipping was 69.3% (range, 53-91%). Patients were evaluated for complications and fusions, and outcomes were collected using the modified Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Instrument.ResultsAt follow-up, all patients, except one with major vascular complications, were extremely or reasonably satisfied with the surgery. All patients showed improvements in radiologic indexes and stable fusion at the final follow-up examination.ConclusionsPosterior decompression and partial reduction followed by circumferential stabilization performed in one stage combining pedicle fixation with trans-sacral titanium cage interbody fusion is an effective and safe technique for the management of severe spondylolisthesis.

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