Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances
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The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical efficacy of uninstrumented facet fusion in elderly patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy for spinal stenosis due to a single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis. Several studies have clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of concomitant spinal fusion with laminectomy in degenerative spondylolisthesis. Controversy, however, persists regarding the virtues of fusion in this patient population. ⋯ The overall postoperative radiographic stabilization rate and improved patient outcomes were higher in group 1 than in group 2. In patients undergoing laminectomy for a grade I or II fixed or mobile degenerative spondylolisthesis, concomitant facet fusion decreases motion and stabilizes the spine via a bony fusion or a stable pseudarthrosis. In general, patients with less motion on postoperative flexion/extension radiographs had a better clinical outcome than those with more motion.