Surgical Management of Spondylolisthesis by Pedicular Screw Rod System and Postero-Lateral Fusion

Introduction: Incidence of spondylolisthesis in general population is 5% - 7%. No matter what the etiology is, patients usually have significant functional disability. Few studies have investigated the long term effect of posterolateral fusion on functional outcome. Objectives: To study the efficacy of posterolateral fusion in spondylolisthesis especially in terms of functional outcome. Methodology: From July 2010 to June 2012, a total of 86 patients, operated with postero-lateral fusion were followed up and evaluated based on VAS for low back pain, ODI and neurological deficits. Results: Follow up was 83% of original study population (86). Average follow up was 13 months. The mean difference between pre-operative and post-operative VAS at final follow up was 3.5 cms (SD = 2.94); ODI was 28% at 4 months and 36% at 8 months. Claudication pain relieved in all; functional outcome was good in 67%, fair in 27.5% and failed in 5.5%; 75% had fusion at an average of 5.5 months. Conclusion: Posteriolateral fusion is still a safe, promising and appealing technique.