Indication and limitation of Posterolateral Fusion with Pedicle Screw Fixation for Degenerative Lumber Spondylolisthesis

Abstract

The purpose of study is to consider the indication and limitation of posterolateral fusion using pedicle screw systems (PLF) for degenerative lumber spondylolisthesis. Clinical and radiographic outcomes for 49 patients who underwent one-level PLF were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 7.2years. JOA score was maintained at the time of the last investigation. The corrected alignment was not maintained during the follow-up period. The kyphotic bony union caused by correction loss was recognized quite frequently in PLF, but it was converged to less than 5 degrees by pedicle screw systems. The one-level kyphosis at less than 5 degrees did not influence postoperative clinical outcomes. A clinical result of PLF was good in degenerative lumber spondylolisthesis to usually experience. PLIF is superior at the point of alignment correction, but the operative indication may be limited to some high instability cases when adjacent problems and the difficulty of the re-operation are considered.