“Less is More” for low grade lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis

Abstract

We analysed if in-situ posterior stabilization and posterolateral fusion without decompression is appropriate for low grade lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis (LLSS). Patients in whom posterior stabilization and interbody fusion with decompression was performed were Group 1 [n = 27; Age = 48.7±13] and those in whom in-situ posterior stabilization and posterolateral fusion without decompression was performed were Group 2 [n = 37; Age = 46.3±16.4]. All preoperative parameters, intra- operative blood loss, duration of surgery and period of hospitalization were similar between the groups. Statistical comparison of outcomes at 2-years follow- up demonstrated no significant difference in back pain score [p = 0.61], sciatic pain score [p = 0.23] and functional assessment [p = 0.71]. Even though we do much less on performing in-situ posterior stabilization and posterolateral fusion without decompression, it offers similar results as that of posterior stabilization and interbody fusion with decompression in selective LLSS patients.