Lumbosciatica caused by spondylolisthesis. Results of the surgical treatment by facetolaminectomy and interbody arthrodesis by the posterior approach in a series of 66 cases

66 patients with spondylolisthesis were reviewed after surgical procedure with a follow-up period of more than a year postoperatively. The indication for the operation was disabling sciatica in all patients. 4 patients had undergone prior excision of the herniated disc. All the patients underwent a removal of the loose posterior element as suggested by the Gill procedure and intervertebral body fusion using a posterior surgical approach. The surgical procedures with only one regressive neurological complication are described. The results are considered from a clinical and anatomo-radiological point of view. In this series 86.5 percent of 66 patients became sciatica-free. 62 percent of the total series rated the end result as excellent or good. 92.4 percent of the patients demonstrated bony fusion between the two grafted vertebrae. The benefits of posterior laminectomy with interbody fusion are also attractive for spondylolisthesis with sciatica.