Usefulness of reduction and fusion in the management of spondylolisthesis

: The results of treatment of spondylolisthesis in 72 patients by reduction with the use of Harrington rods and circumferential fusion were reported. In dysplastic spondylolisthesis 75% satisfactory results and 83.4% spinal fusions were achieved, in stenotic spondylolistheses 80% and 85% respectively. The influence of operation on sacral bone position against lumbar spine could not be accurately traced with the aid of Wiltse radiological criteria. The authors consider arthrodesis "in situ" as insufficient procedure, especially in dysplastic type of spondylolisthesis. They recommend addition of anterior fusion that retains and stabilizes reduction being limited to single motoric unit of the spine.