Segmental fusion for lumbosacral degenerative spondylolisthesis and low back pain

Abstract

The effects of mono-segmental fusion at the spondylolisthetic lumbosacral vertebral level on patient pain elimination were studied. While reviewing the patient's unstable spondylolisthetic segment, sagittal plane translation and rotation must be carefully evaluated. In case of vertebral level only with grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ sagittal plane translation, neural decompression followed by posterolateral fusion may be effective. However, vertebral segments with gradeⅡor Ⅲ translation together with an increased rotation angle must be treated by PLIF surgery with transpedicular screw fixation. While patients must be followed up long-term, the majority of cases will present with favorable surgical outcomes short-term.