High-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis and spondyloptosis: report of three cases with surgical treatment and review of the literature

High-grade dysplastic spondylolisthesis is extremely rare and always involves the L5-S1 level. It is attributed to congenital dysplasia of the superior articular process of the sacrum. It can remain asymptomatic for a long time and can progress to a more severe grade of olisthesis and spondyloptosis. Surgical treatment has varied from posterior-only in situ fusion to anterior and posterior fusion with complete reduction. Three cases of symptomatic high-grade (4th and 5th grade) dysplastic spondylolisthesis treated surgically with reduction and fusion are presented. Interbody fusion at the level of olisthesis is crucial.     

Erfahrungsbericht über die Therapie des stampfen Nierentraumas

Blunt renal injuries are classified into 4 groups, namely contusions (grade I), lacerations (grade II), severe fractures (grade III) and pedicle injuries (grade IV). A group of 71 patients with closed renal trauma is reported being classified into 46 grade I, 20 grade II, 3 grade III and 2 grade IV cases. Only the 5 patients with grade III and IV injuries needed surgical intervention resulting in nephrectomy in all 5 cases. Late complications occurred in 4 of the 20 patients of group II, namely contracted kidneys in 2 and hypertension in another 2 instances. The appropriate treatment should be chosen on an individual basis. In grade III and IV renal trauma, surgical intervention is generally required resulting in most in stances in nephrectomy. In grade I lesions expectant management is considered the rule. Controversy exists regarding the optimal therapy of grade II injuries. Statistics demonstrate that surgical intervention in these cases will result in greater renal tissue loss as compared with expectant management.     

Reduction of high-grade isthmic and dysplastic spondylolisthesis in 5 adolescents

Treatment of high-grade isthmic and dysplastic spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents remains a challenge. Surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis has been recommended in adolescents with pain refractory to nonoperative modalities, slippage progression, or > 50% slippage on presentation. Controversy exists as to the optimal surgical approach for high-grade spondylolisthesis. In this report, we describe 5 cases of high-grade isthmic and dysplastic spondylolisthesis in adolescents and review the literature on surgical treatment for this entity. Operative records, charts, x-rays, and Scoliosis Research Society outcome questionnaires (SRS-22) were retrospectively evaluated for 5 consecutive patients diagnosed with and treated for high-grade spondylolisthesis. Each patient received treatment consisting of decompression, reduction, and circumferential fusion with transpedicular and segmental fixation from a posterior approach. Two patients had transient L5 nerve root deficit, which resolved within 3 months. Reduction benefits include a decrease in shear stresses (and resulting decreased rates of postoperative pseudarthrosis and slip progression), restoration of sagittal alignment and lumbosacral spine balance, and improvement in clinical deformity.     

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents: II. Surgical management

Surgical management is indicated for children and adolescents with spondylolysis and low-grade spondylolisthesis (< or =50% slip) who fail to respond to nonsurgical measures. In situ posterolateral L5 to S1 fusion is the best option for those with a low-grade slip secondary to L5 pars defects or dysplastic spondylolisthesis at the lumbosacral junction. Pars repair is reserved for patients with symptomatic spondylolysis and low-grade, mobile spondylolisthesis with pars defects cephalad to L5 and for those with multiple-level defects. Screw repair of the pars defect, wiring transverse process to spinous process, and pedicle screw-laminar hook fixation are surgical options. The ideal surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis (>50% slip) is controversial. Spinal fusion has been indicated for children and adolescents with high-grade spondylolisthesis regardless of symptoms. In situ L4 to S1 fusion with cast immobilization is safe and effective for alleviating back pain and neurologic symptoms. Instrumented reduction and fusion techniques permit improved correction of sagittal spinal imbalance and more rapid rehabilitation but are associated with a higher risk of iatrogenic nerve root injuries than in situ techniques. Wide decompression of nerve roots combined with instrumented partial reduction may diminish the risk of neurologic complications. Pseudarthrosis and neurologic injury presenting as L5 radiculopathy and sacral root dysfunction are the most common complications associated with surgical management of high-grade spondylolisthesis.     

Spondylolisthesis in osteogenesis imperfecta due to pedicle elongation: report of two cases.

STUDY DESIGN: Two cases of spondylolisthesis due to severe elongation of pedicles in osteogenesis imperfecta are reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe an unusual type of spondylolisthesis and its successful management. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spondylolisthesis is known to occur in osteogenesis imperfecta. Reports in the literature are few. Pedicle elongation resulting in spondylolisthesis has only been reported once. There is no report of a successful treatment of this type of spondylolisthesis resulting from pedicle elongation. METHOD: Two adolescent girls suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta presented with lower back pain and thoracic scoliosis. One of them had high-grade spondylolisthesis of L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1, with a thoracic scoliosis. She was treated with anterior interbody fusion L3 to sacrum without instrumentation. Later, progression of her scoliosis required combined anterior and posterior instrumented fusion T1 to L1. The other girl presented with L5 spondylolisthesis and thoracic scoliosis. She has back pain as well as neurologic symptoms in her legs and is waiting for surgery. RESULTS: At the 3-year follow-up the operated patient is symptom-free from her spine and there has been no progression of either deformity. CONCLUSION: High-grade spondylolisthesis due to elongation of pedicle in osteogenesis imperfecta is uncommon. Anterior interbody fusion of all the involved motion segments has produced good pain relief and arrested deformity progression at the 3-year follow-up.     

Splitting of the intervertebral disc in spondylolisthesis: a magnetic resonance imaging finding in two cases

Two patients with grade III spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1 underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of their preoperative evaluation. The nucleus pulposus of the involved intervertebral disc was noted to be divided into anterior and posterior halves. The signal intensity of the involved nucleus pulposus was decreased, a finding correlated to degenerative changes of the disc material. Moderate narrowing of the thecal sac was noted at the level of spondylolisthesis. Both patients underwent in situ posterolateral spinal fusion from L4 to S1 without decompression. We were not able to correlate the MRI findings to etiology of pain in spondylolisthesis.     

Iatrogenic spondylolysis leading to contralateral pedicular stress fracture and unstable spondylolisthesis: a case report

STUDY DESIGN: A case report of iatrogenic spondylolysis as a complication of microdiscectomy leading to contralateral pedicular stress fracture and unstable spondylolisthesis. OBJECTIVE: To improve understanding of this condition by presenting a case history and roentgenographic findings of a patient that differ from those already reported and to propose an effective method of surgical management. METHODS: A 67-year-old woman with no history of spondylolysis or spondylolisthesis underwent an L4-L5 microdiscectomy for a left herniated nucleus pulposus 1 year before the current consultation. For the preceding 8 months, she had been experiencing low back and bilateral leg pain. Imaging studies revealed a left L4 spondylolytic defect and a right L4 pedicular stress fracture with an unstable Grade I spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: The patient was treated with posterior spinal fusion, which resulted in complete resolution of her clinical and neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Iatrogenic spondylolysis after microdiscectomy is an uncommon entity. However, it can lead to contralateral pedicular stress fracture and spondylolisthesis, and thus can be a source of persistent back pain after disc surgery. Surgeons caring for these patients should be aware of this potential complication.     

Anterior lumbar fusion utilizing transvertebral fibular graft

In those instances of failed posterior arthrodesis for spondylolisthesis, iatrogenic spondylolisthesis due to posterior neural decompression or severe (grade III or IV) spondylolisthesis, anterior stabilization using a fibular strut graft appears to be feasible and successful. Eleven patients were treated with this technique and ten achieved solid anterior arthrodesi; the eleventh fused posterolaterally. All improved symptomatically with no postoperative complications, including sexual dysfunction in the male.     

Classification of Severe Head Injury Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECT: In 1991 a new pioneering classification of severe head injuries had been proposed, based on CT findings. Unfortunately CT cannot visualise all lesions. Especially brain stem lesions may escape CT in spite of modern equipment, but may be demonstrated by MRI. The high incidence of CT negative but MRI positive posttraumatic brain stem lesions has already been demonstrated in a limited number of cases. A statistically significant evaluation is still missing. Therefore we have investigated a series of 102 comatose patients, in whom a statistical evaluation of MRI findings and their correlation with mortality and outcome of survivors was possible. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MRI was obtained within 8 days after servere head injury in 102 patients with a minimum of 24 hours of coma. The location of the lesions. identified by a neuroradiologist who was unaware of the clinical findings, was correlated with mortality, outcome of surviors and duration of coma. The correlation was analysed statistically. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 3 years with a mean of 22 months. Four groups of lesions gave significant correlations: Grade I lesions were lesions of the hemispheres only; Grade II lesions were unilateral lesions of the brain stem at any level with or without supratentorial lesions; Grade III lesions were bilateral lesions of the mesencephalon with or without supratentorial lesions. Grade IV lesions were bilateral lesion of the pons with or without any of the foregoing lesions of lesser grades. RESULTS: Mortality increased from 14% in grade I lesions to 100% in grade IV lesions. The Glasgow outcome score differed significantly for each grade. The mean duration of coma increased from 3 days in grade I patients to 13 days in grade III. The correlations between the lesions grade I to IV with mortality, outcome of survivors and duration of coma were highly significant. CONCLUSION: The statistically significant correlations between the 4 groups of severe head injury patients, as identified by MRI, with mortality and outcome of survivors justify a new classification based on early MRI findings.     

Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis: arguments in favor of surgical management after analysis of 8 patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to assess the efficacy of primary surgical stabilization in the management of traumatic C2 spondylolisthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight patients including 5 men and 3 women (mean age, 44 years) were treated surgically for traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis. Three patients presented permanent neurological deficit. The indication for operative treatment included fracture instability and association with either neurological deficit or multiple trauma. External immobilization was attempted and failed in two patients. In all cases the procedure was performed by the anterior route and consisted of surgical fixation with C2/C3 discectomy, intersomatic graft placement, and bone fusion. RESULTS: Using the Effendi and Levine classification, fractures were classified as type I in 2 cases, type II in 3, type IIa in 2, and type III in 1. The two patients with severe tetraparesis presented spinal cord contusion at the C2/C3 disk level. Postoperative radiography demonstrated C2/C3 fusion in all patients. No surgical complications were observed. The average hospital stay was 4.5 days. CONCLUSION: Surgical stabilization by C2-C3 fusion via the anterior route is effective for management of all types of traumatic C2 spondylolisthesis. It achieves immediate stability. We recommend its use as a primary intervention not only for unstable lesions but also for lesions associated with neurological deficits or multiple trauma. A major benefit is to facilitate nursing care and patient rehabilitation.     

Circumferential fusion using a custom-made screw in the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis

Purpose

Management of high-grade spondylolisthesis is challenging and to date no therapeutic consensus is available. Various surgical procedures have been described using unique or double approach. The aim of the study is to describe an original technique using a posterior-only approach to achieve a circumferential lumbosacral fusion with a custom-made screw.

Methods

In our experience, eight patients (mean age 15 years old) were treated for grade III or IV slipping without instrumental reduction. Surgical technique included a laminectomy from L5 to S2, then after mobilization of neural elements a guide wire was inserted from the posterior side of S2 to the antero-superior corner of L5. A specific drill was used and the 10-mm screw was then inserted under fluoroscopic guidance. Further steps included a discectomy, lumbosacral interbody graft and posterolateral graft to obtain a circumferential fusion. Clinical and radiological evaluations were obtained.

Results

On the whole series, solid fusion was achieved after 6 months on average. Sagittal realignment was observed with a regression of pelvic retroversion and hip flessum, a lumbarization of the lumbar lordosis and an improvement of the thoracic kyphosis. For one patient, a postoperative S1 deficit was observed.

Conclusion

This technique provides satisfactory results in the management of high-grade spondylolisthesis. This concept is based on a double spine instability considering viscoelastic properties of the disc and postoperative sagittal reciprocal changes as prerequisite. This posterior-only approach represents a valuable alternative to other procedures.

     

短节段椎弓根螺钉后路椎间植骨治疗重症峡部裂型腰椎滑脱症

[目的]探讨应用短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定并后路椎间植骨融合治疗重症峡部裂型腰椎滑脱症的疗效和手术技巧.[方法]2005年1月～2007年1月,对51例重症峡部裂型腰椎滑脱患者行短节段椎弓根螺钉后路椎间植骨融合术,年龄25～67岁,平均41岁;术前滑脱程度按Meyerding分级标准均大于33%,平均为42%,均有不同程度的神经根受损症状.通过术前、术后脊柱正、侧位X线片和Beaujon functional score(BFS)评分,分析临床疗效,评价治疗效果.[结果]51例患者均获随访,随访时间为2～3年10个月,平均2年8个月.术后平均滑脱复位率92%;椎间隙高度由术前平均4.9 mm恢复至术后的10.3 mm;植骨融合率100%,平均融合时间4个月;BFS评分由术前平均8.1分升至术后2年的17.9分,疗效优良率为91%.随访期间滑脱复位率、椎间隙高度无明显丢失.[结论]短节段椎弓根螺钉系统内固定后路椎间植骨融合术可以用于治疗重症峡部裂型腰椎滑脱症,能保留更多的腰椎运动单元.     

Vertebro-basilar aneurysms: Does delayed surgery represent the best surgical strategy?

Summary The appropriate time to perform surgery for posterior circulation aneurysms is debated. Controversy exists secondary to the lack of information regarding the overall management and outcome, as well as difficulties with their surgical treatment and infrequent occurrence. The present study examines the results of 46 patients with ruptured vertebro-basilar aneurysms treated with a delayed surgical protocol. Twenty-four were Hunt-Hess grade I/II on admission, 13 were grade III, and 9 grade IV/V. Nineteen patients (40%) (4 grade I/II, 6 grade III, and the 9 grade IV/V on admission) died before meeting the required conditions for surgery. Causes of death were vasospasm (8 cases), direct effect of the initial bleeding (7 cases), and rebleeding (4 cases). Surgical results were excellent/good in 87% of the patients. Surgical mortality was 8% (2 out of 24). In this study, despite encouraging surgical results, overall mortality was disappointingly high. We suggest that as more experience is gained in treating vertebrobasilar aneurysms, early surgery should be performed in selected cases. Early surgery is prophylactic for rebleeding and allows for more aggressive treatment of cerebral vasospasm.This work has been presented in part at the 9th European Congress of Neurosurgery, Moscow, June 23–28, 1991.     

Surgery versus conservative management in adult isthmic spondylolisthesis--a prospective randomized study: part 1

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized study was performed. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether posterolateral fusion in patients with adult isthmic spondylolisthesis results in an improved outcome compared with an exercise program. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In spondylolisthesis, satisfactory results have been reported with both surgical and conservative management. The evidence for treatment efficacy, however, is weak because prospective randomized studies are lacking. METHODS: In this study, 111 patients were randomly allocated to an exercise program (n = 34) or posterolateral fusion with or without transpedicular fixation (n = 77). The inclusion criteria were lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis of any grade, at least 1 year of low back pain or sciatica, and a severely restricted functional ability in individuals 18 to 55 years of age. Pain and functional disability were quantified before treatment and at 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments by visual analog scales (VAS). RESULTS: The 2-year follow-up rate was 93%. The functional outcome, as assessed by the Disability Rating Index and the pain reduction, was better in the surgically treated group than in the exercise group at both the 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments (P < 0.01). In the longitudinal analysis, the mean Disability Rating Index and pain improved in the surgical group (P < 0.0001). In the exercise group, the Disability Rating Index did not change at all, whereas the pain decreased slightly (P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of adult isthmic spondylolisthesis improves function and relieves pain more efficiently than an exercise program.     

Osteoid osteoma of the lateral mass of C5. Should excision be combined with fusion?

A 10-year-old girl presented with a 1-year history of pain and stiffness in her neck associated with left shoulder and arm pain. This was found to be caused by an osteoid osteoma of the lateral mass of C5. Surgical excision of the tumour was performed through a posterior approach. Following surgery, the patient’s pre-operative pain resolved. However, 3 months later she developed a recurrence of neck pain secondary to cervical instability. Further investigation revealed a grade II spondylolisthesis at the C5/6 level. A combined anterior and posterior fusion was performed and the patient’s instability pain rapidly resolved. At her 18-months’ follow-up a solid fusion was confirmed radiologically and the patient remained asymptomatic with no evidence of tumour recurrence. The purpose of this report is to highlight the difficulty in diagnosing this condition as well as to emphasise the surgical technique required. It would appear that excision of the lateral mass will result in instability. To prevent this, fusion of the spine should always be considered at the time of surgical excision of the tumour. Received: 18 February 1995 Revised: 15 December 1995 Accepted: 3 January 1996     

Factors associated with an increased risk of developing postoperative symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis after decompression surgery: an explorative two-centre international cohort study

Purpose

Symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis can be treated with decompression surgery. A recent review reported that, after decompression surgery, 1.6–32.0% of patients develop postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis and may therefore be indicated for lumbar fusion surgery. The latter can be more challenging due to the altered anatomy and scar tissue. It remains unclear why some patients get recurrent neurological complaints due to postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis, though some associations have been suggested. This study explores the association between key demographic, biological and radiological factors and postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis after lumbar decompression.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who had undergone lumbar spinal decompression surgery between January 2014 and December 2016 at one of two Spine Centres in the Netherlands or Switzerland and had a follow-up of two years. Patient characteristics, details of the surgical procedure and recurrent neurological complaints were retrieved from patient files. Preoperative MRI scans and conventional radiograms (CRs) of the lumbar spine were evaluated for multiple morphological characteristics. Postoperative spondylolisthesis was evaluated on postoperative MRI scans. For variables assessed on a whole patient basis, patients with and without postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis were compared. For variables assessed on the basis of the operated segment(s), surgical levels that did or did not develop postoperative spondylolisthesis were compared. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations with postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis.

Results

Seven hundred and sixteen patients with 1094 surgical levels were included in the analyses. (In total, 300 patients had undergone multilevel surgery.) ICCs for intraobserver and interobserver reliability of CR and MRI variables ranged between 0.81 and 0.99 and 0.67 and 0.97, respectively. In total, 66 of 716 included patients suffered from postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis (9.2%). Multivariable regression analyses of patient-basis variables showed that being female [odds ratio (OR) 1.2, 95%CI 1.07–3.09] was associated with postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis. Higher BMI (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.88–0.99) was associated with a lower probability of having postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis.

Multivariable regression analyses of surgical level-basis variables showed that levels with preoperative spondylolisthesis (OR 17.30, 95%CI 10.27–29.07) and the level of surgery, most importantly level L4L5 compared with levels L1L3 (OR 2.80, 95%CI 0.78–10.08), were associated with postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis; greater facet joint angles (i.e. less sagittal-oriented facets) were associated with a lower probability of postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis (OR 0.97, 95%CI 0.95–0.99).

Conclusion

Being female was associated with a higher probability of having postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis, while having a higher BMI was associated with a lower probability. When looking at factors related to postoperative symptomatic spondylolisthesis at the surgical level, preoperative spondylolisthesis, more sagittal orientated facet angles and surgical level (most significantly level L4L5 compared to levels L1L3) showed significant associations. These associations could be used as a basis for devising patient selection criteria, stratifying patients or performing subgroup analyses in future studies regarding decompression surgery with or without fusion.

     

The role of ankle arthroscopy in the treatment strategies of osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the talus.

Thirty-six cases of osteochondritis dissecans (OD) of the talus were diagnosed among 413 ankle arthroscopies performed within a period of six years. In 52.8% of the cases the OD was found on the medial and in 41.7% on the lateral talus. 53.3% of the lateral OD presented stage III and IV lesions while only 26.3% of the medial OD were to be graded stage III and IV. Patients with grade I and II lesions had mostly excellent outcome scores between 90 and 100. However, four patients with medial OD at less severe stages who were treated surgically, showed a particularly unfavorable outcome with scores between 11 and 36. All these patients needed either ankle arthrodesis or total ankle joint replacement. For stage II and III medial lesions, our experience has led to a more conservative approach due to the unfavorable outcome of surgical treatment observed in these patients. Despite the usefulness of MRI in the diagnosis of OD of the talus, arthroscopy has been proven to represent a very helpful diagnostic tool in assessing extent and in particular stability and integrity of the osteochondritic lesion. Apart from enabling the various minimally invasive surgical treatment options, ankle arthroscopy should be performed in all patients with OD of the talus in order to help define the treatment strategy and avoid unnecessary surgery on stable lesions.     

Changes of the sacrum in severe spondylolisthesis: a possible key pathology of the disorder

Deficient development of the posterior lumbosacral portion has been thought to be a possible etiology of severe spondylolisthesis. However, the precise causes of the deformity have yet to be revealed. To our knowledge, progression of the disorder has not been discussed in the light of sacral changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objectives of the present study were to document changes of the sacrum on MRI scans in patients with severe spondylolisthesis and to discuss the relation of these changes to the progression of deformities. Roentgenograms and MRI scans of 13 patients (10 women and 3 men) with severe spondylolisthesis were retrospectively reviewed. Average age at first MRI examination was 20 years (range, 12 to 50 years). The MRI scans commonly showed a defect at the antero-superior portion of the sacrum. This lesion seems to appear during the period of progression of slipping associated with lumbosacral kyphosis. The defect of the sacrum was considered a unique feature to discriminate this type of olisthesis from others. Taking into conside-ration the present results, the deformity can be called kyphospondylolisthesis. Received for publication on Feb. 9, 1999; accepted on June 21, 1999     

Joubert syndrome presenting as unilateral dysplastic kidney, hypotonia, and respiratory problem

An 8-month-old girl with a history of asphyxia and respiratory distress immediately after birth was hospitalized at her fourth month of age with the diagnosis of kidney infection and it was revealed that she had a unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney. In recent admission, she presented to emergency room with fever, hyperpnea, and apnea. In appearance, she was a hypotonic girl with broad forehead, hypertelorism, depressed nasal bridge and bitemporal regions, rapid vertical and horizontal nystagmus, and open mouth with salivation. In spite of normal physical growth, she had delayed developmental milestones. Blood gas O 2 saturation dropped after she received phenobarbital. Her urinary and blood tests were normal; however, her cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed vermis agenesis and molar tooth sign. These physical and para-clinical findings suggested Joubert syndrome.     

Spinal epidural abscess following blunt pelvic trauma

A 17-year-old patient with pre-existing grade II spondylolisthesis of L5/S1 sustained a partial disruption of the left sacroiliac joint with haematoma of the iliac muscle after a fall. The haematoma probably led to occlusion of the left ureter, resulting in a urinary tract infection. After initial conservative treatment the patient developed fever and radicular pain of the left leg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left-sided epidural abscess at L5/S1, which had probably spread from the infected iliac haematoma along the injured sacroiliac joint. Prompt surgical drainage and antibiotic coverage with cefuroxime and flucloxacillin led to rapid clinical improvement. Staphylococcus aureus was identified as the pathogen. At follow-up 6 months postoperatively all symptoms had resolved, while MRI still revealed residual osseous oedema of the sacroiliac joint. The haematoma of the iliac muscle resolved without surgical intervention. Received: 1 June 1999/Revised: 11 October 1999/Accepted: 22 October 1999