Comparison Of Clinical Results Of Posterolateral Fusion Versus Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion For Low Degree Isthmic Spondylolisthesis

Objective: To compare and evaluate the role of posterolateral fusion versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion for low degree isthmic spondylolisthesis.Methods: From September 2008 to June 2010,36 patients who suffered from low degree isthmic spondylolisthesis were divided into 2 groups(A and B)at random. The patients in group A(n=19,average age 51 years old)were performed posterolateral fusion. The patients in group B(n=17,average age 49 years old)were performed posterior lumbar interbody fusion. The main levels of lumbar spondylolisthesis in 2 groups was L4(A:2cases;B:4cases) or L5(A:17cases;B:13cases). All cases were classified as degree 1 to degree 2.Results: All the patients were followed up from 6 to 21 months. In group A,pain relief was seen in 100.0%(19/19). In group B, pain relief was seen in 88.2% (15/17) . Group A had better intraoperative circumstances and postoperative outcome than group B, two groups had no significant difference in follow-up clinical outcome, group B had better postoperative parameters in X—ray of angle of slipping than group A.Conclusion: Posterolateral fusion is better than posterior lumbar interbody fusion for low degree isthmic spondylolisthesis...