Discitis and isthmic spondylolisthesis: a case report

Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are common causes of low back pain in children and adolescents. Disc space infection is less common, but is another cause of severe back pain in this population. The combination of both processes in the same segment is rare. This case report is of a 13-year-old patient with isthmic lumbosacral spondylolisthesis and disc space infection at the same level. A patient who presented with severe low back pain and a radiological picture of isthmic slip with end plate irregularities and anterior bridging osteophyte was diagnosed with disc space infection at the slip level. He was managed with intravenous antibiotics for 6 weeks, followed by oral medication for an additional 2 weeks. At follow-up 28 weeks later, a spontaneous radiological fusion at the slip level was noted with complete relief of his symptoms. The patient was able to resume sports activities. In conclusion, isthmic spondylolisthesis and disc space height infection might coexist. Nonoperative treatment will usually result in spontaneous fusion and the complete relief of symptoms.     

Rehabilitation of a patient with a rare multi-level isthmic spondylolisthesis: a case report

A rare multi-level isthmic spondylolisthesis was discovered in a young male patient following an acute onset of low back pain. The prevalence of spondylolisthesis in the adult population is low and it is believed that the prevalence of multiple level spondylolisthesis is even rarer. A combination of onset of ambulation, hereditary factors, and sports involving hyper-extension of the spine are predisposing factors. Conservative treatment such as chiropractic manipulation and rehabilitation of the spine are first treatment options before surgical intervention is considered. The clinical presentations, radiographic features, treatment options including rehabilitation methods are discussed.     

Long-term outcome after spinal fusion for isthmic spondylolisthesis in adults

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Data on the long-term outcome after fusion for isthmic spondylolisthesis are scarce.

Spontaneous reduction of spondylolisthesis during growth: a case report

Isthmic spondylolisthesis is a common cause of low back pain in children. It is associated with a defect in the pars interarticularis of the vertebra. The treatment depends on the clinical course and degree of spondylolisthesis. Low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis usually shows a benign course without significant progression and therefore, conservative treatment is advised. Although isthmic pars defect can heal, initial existing degree of slippage persists. A complete reversion of deformity was never described yet. We present the case of a 7?-year-old girl with symptomatic grade 2 isthmic spondylolisthesis according to the Meyerding classification. Without any specific therapy, there was a radiologically documented near total reversion of slippage and total relief of clinical symptoms during 8 years of follow-up. Computed tomography scan after this period showed persisting pars interarticularis defect without signs of healing. This case report indicates that during growth, spontaneous reversion of vertebral slip in isthmic spondylolisthesis can occur, even without healing of the pars defect.     

Adjacent level discitis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF): a case report

This report describes a case of spondylodiscitis occurring adjacent to levels at which anterior cervical discectomy and fusion was performed. The objective is to describe a rare cause of spondylodiscitis and discuss its successful management. Post-operative discitis involving the same level is a known occurrence. We report an interesting case of spondylodiscitis occurring at the adjacent level of fusion, and to our knowledge this is the first such case reported in literature. A two-level decompression and fusion was performed at C5–6 and C6–7 levels with PEEK cages and anterior cervical plating in a middle-aged gentleman for persistent axial neck pain and left-sided radiculopathy involving C6 and C7 distribution. After 6 weeks, the patient presented to us with complaints of mild paresthesia in the abdomen and extremities. Radiological investigations including plain radiographs and MRI revealed a surprising finding of discitis at C4–5 level with an associated epidural abscess. In view of the patient’s myelopathic symptoms, surgical debridement and decompression of the spinal cord was performed. The plate and screws were removed, the cages were left intact, and the C4–5 disc level was reconstructed with tricortical iliac crest autograft. No further instrumentation was performed. The biopsy specimen from the disc at C4–5 level grew Serratia marcescens. It was contemplated that C4–5 discitis was initiated by inoculation of bacteria at the superior endplate of C5 by contaminated vertebral pins/drill-bit or screws. Adjacent level discitis is a rare but potentially serious complication of anterior cervical fusion. A high index of suspicion of infection is necessary if the patient complains of new symptoms after anterior cervical fusion. Thorough assessment and aggressive treatment is necessary for successful management.

     

Posterolateral versus posterior interbody fusion in isthmic spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by subluxation of a vertebral body over another in the sagittal plane. Its most common form is isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS). This study aims to compare clinical outcomes of posterolateral fusion (PLF) with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with posterior instrumentation in the treatment of IS. We performed a randomized prospective study in which 80 patients out of a total of 85 patients with IS were randomly allocated to one of two groups: PLF with posterior instrumentation (group I) or PLIF with posterior instrumentation (group II). Posterior decompression was performed in the patients. The Oswestry low back pain disability (OLBP) scale and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and pain, respectively. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate fusion rate and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare categorical data. Fusion in group II was significantly better than in group I (p=0.012). Improvement in low back pain was statistically more significant in group I (p=0.001). The incidence of neurogenic claudication was significantly lower in group I than in group II (p=0.004). In group I, there was no significant correlation between slip Meyerding grade and disc space height, radicular pain, and low back pain. There was no significant difference in post-operative complications at 1-year follow-up. Our data showed that PLF with posterior instrumentation provides better clinical outcomes and more improvement in low back pain compared to PLIF with posterior instrumentation despite the low fusion rate.     

Results of in situ fusion for isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Between 1976 and 1990, we treated 56 isthmic spondylolisthesis patients with an average age of 15 + 4 (range, 4 + 9 to 27 +/- 2) with in situ bilateral transverse process fusions utilizing autogenous iliac bone graft. None of the patients had a decompression or instrumentation placed. Radiographic fusion was determined from standing spot lateral radiographs and either Ferguson AP or standing AP views of the lumbosacral junction. The radiographic fusion patterns were categorized into the following four grades: (A) definitely solid (n = 28, 50%)--solid big trabeculated bilateral fusion masses; (B) possibly solid (n = 10, 18%)--unilateral large fusion mass with contralateral small fusion mass; (C) probably not solid (n = 6, 11%)--small, thin fusion masses bilaterally; (D) definitely not solid (n = 12, 21%)--graft resorption bilaterally or fusion mass with obvious bilateral pseudarthrosis. This fusion pattern is best determined by the Ferguson ("true AP") radiograph of the lumbosacral junction. Despite this surprisingly low fusion rate, overall clinical improvement was noted in > 80% of patients with preoperative symptoms of back pain, leg pain, or hamstring tightness. We recommend this critical assessment of fusion grades to determine fusion success in this patient population.     

Progression of spondylolysis to isthmic spondylolisthesis in an adult without accompanying disc degeneration: a case report

Progression of spondylolysis to spondylolisthesis in adults is very rare. It is always accompanied by disc degeneration at the slip level, or at a lower level. The intervertebral disc is indeed the main structure that opposes the anteriorly directed shear forces. Of course, the disc degeneration might also be a consequence, rather than a cause of the slip. The authors describe an unusual case of progression of spondylolysis to spondylolisthesis in an adult, without any disc degeneration. They are not aware of a similar case in the literature. In 1999, an aircraft engineer with known asymptomatic spondylolysis was involved in a low impact motorcycle accident, after which a Grade I spondylolisthesis L4 was diagnosed. There was no predisposing disc space narrowing at any vertebral level. There may have been a certain degree of microscopic disc degeneration L4L5, a possibility which was confirmed by the development of a disc hernia L4L5, seven years after trauma. This case illustrates the potential for progression of spondylolysis to spondylolisthesis in an adult, without radiographical signs of disc degeneration at any level. The minimal trauma might have played a role. The authors recommend that patients with known spondylolysis who sustain acute exacerbation of their back pain should have standing radiographs.     

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis: a comparison of fusion with one or two cages

Between March 2000 and February 2006, we carried out a prospective study of 100 patients with a low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grade II or below), who were randomised to receive a single-level and instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion with either one or two cages. The minimum follow-up was for two years. At this stage 91 patients were available for review. A total of 47 patients received one cage (group 1) and 44 two cages (group 2). The clinical and radiological outcomes of the two groups were compared. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post-operative pain, Oswestry Disability Score, clinical results, complication rate, percentage of post-operative slip, anterior fusion rate or posterior fusion rate. On the other hand, the mean operating time was 144 minutes (100 to 240) for patients in group 1 and 167 minutes (110 to 270) for those in group 2 (p = 0.0002). The mean blood loss up to the end of the first post-operative day was 756 ml (510 to 1440) in group 1 and 817 ml (620 to 1730) in group 2 (p < 0.0001). Our results suggest that an instrumented posterior lumbar interbody fusion performed with either one or two cages in addition to a bone graft around the cage has a low rate of complications and a high fusion rate. The clinical outcomes were good in most cases, regardless of whether one or two cages had been used.     

颈椎痛风性椎间盘炎1例报告

<正>痛风是嘌呤代谢障碍引起的代谢性疾病,多数累及全身肢体末端关节,也可侵犯脊柱,引起椎间盘炎[1]。脊柱痛风多发生在腰椎,其次是颈椎和胸椎[2]。发生在颈椎部位的痛风极为少见,诊断困难,痛风石沉积关节突关节及软骨终板后易引起骨质破坏,容易误诊,临床上应注意与感染及肿瘤相鉴     

Spontaneous fusion after cervical disc arthroplasty:A case report and literature review

Objective:To report a rare case of spontaneous fusion(SF)following cervical disc arthroplasty(CDA),to review the related literature,and to propose a new measure...     

椎间隙撑开在腰椎滑脱症复位和融合中的应用价值

目的评估应用先撑开椎间隙行椎体间融合,后椎弓根钉杆系统复位固定的后路腰椎椎体间融合术(posteriorlumbarinterbodyfusion,PLIF)治疗腰椎滑脱症的价值。方法应用全椎板减压,撑开椎间隙置入插入型融合器,再进行椎弓根钉杆系统复位和固定治疗腰椎滑脱症46例,男25例,女21例;年龄35～59岁,平均48.2岁。对所有病例进行定期随访和影像学检查,并对滑脱程度、滑脱角、椎间隙后高及临床Oswestry功能障碍评分进行测量及评估。对其中5例患者进行术后融合节段的螺旋CT矢状位和冠状位的跟踪扫描重建,以观察椎间融合情况。结果术后所有患者滑脱均有不同程度复位,椎间隙后高由术前(3.9±1.2)mm增加至术后(9.7±1.3)mm,滑脱角由术前25.6°±11.5°改善至术后15.0°±6.9°,生理曲度恢复。随访12￣73个月,平均36个月。术后至末次随访,矫正程度无明显丢失。螺旋CT扫描重建发现满意的椎间融合大约在术后1年后获得。临床Oswestry功能障碍评分由术前的平均(33.6±6.4)分降至术后的平均(17.6±5.5)分,结果优良。结论椎间隙撑开不仅能使滑脱椎体复位,还利于术中选择合适的融合器和恢复腰椎的生理曲度。     

The long-term effect of posterolateral fusion in adult isthmic spondylolisthesis: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Today there is some evidence-based medicine support for a positive short-term treatment effect of fusion in chronic low back pain in spondylolisthesis and in nonspecific degenerative lumbar spine disorders. The long-term effect is, however, unknown. PURPOSE: To determine the long-term outcome of lumbar fusion in adult isthmic spondylolisthesis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled study comparing a 1-year exercise program with instrumented and non-instrumented posterolateral fusion with average long-term follow-up of 9 years (range, 5-13). PATIENT SAMPLE: 111 patients aged 18 to 55 years with adult lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis at L5 or L4 level of all degrees, and at least 1-year's duration of severe lumbar pain with or without sciatica. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and functional disability was quantified by pain (VAS), the Disability Rating Index (DRI), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) work status, and global assessment of outcome by the patient into much better, better, unchanged or worse. Quality of life was assessed by the SF-36. METHODS: The patients were randomly allocated to treatment with 1) a 1-year exercise program (n=34), 2) posterolateral fusion without pedicle screw instrumentation (n=37), or 3) posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation (n=40). Long-term follow-up was obtained in 101 (91%) patients. Nine patients in the exercise group were eventually operated on. RESULTS: Longitudinal analysis: At long-term follow-up pain and functional disability were significantly better than before treatment in both surgical groups. No significant differences were observed between instrumented and non-instrumented patients in any variable studied. In the exercise group the pain was significantly reduced but not the functional disability. Compared with the 2-year follow-up a significant increase in functional disability was observed, as measured by the DRI, but not the ODI, in the surgical group at long term. In the exercise group no significant changes were observed between the 2-year and the long-term follow-up. Cross-sectional analysis: Between the surgical and conservative group no significant differences were observed in any outcome measurement at long-term follow-up except for global assessment, which was significantly better for surgical patients. Of surgical patients 76% classified the overall outcome as much better or better compared with 50% of conservatively treated patients (p=0.015). Quality of life as estimated by the SF-36 at long term was not different between treatment groups in any of the eight domains studied but was considerably lower than for the normal population. CONCLUSIONS: Posterolateral fusion in adult lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis results ina modestly improved long-term outcome compared with a 1-year exercise program. Although the results show that some of the previously reported short-term improvement is lost at long term, patients with fusion still classify their global outcome as clearly better than conservatively treated patients. Furthermore, because the long-term outcome of the patients conservatively treated most likely reflects the natural course, one can also conclude that no considerable spontaneous improvement should be expected over time in adult patients with symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis. Substantial pain, functional disability and a reduced quality of life will in most patients most likely remain unaltered over many years.     

A concise follow-up of a previous report: posterior reduction and anterior lumbar interbody fusion in symptomatic low-grade adult isthmic spondylolisthesis

We report the updated results for a previously evaluated surgical treatment for adult low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis. In 12 patients a decompressive laminectomy was performed followed by a circumferential fusion using posterior pedicle screw instrumented reduction and staged anterior cage-assisted interbody fusion. Average time to follow-up was 5.6 (range 4.9–6.6) years. The average Oswestry Disability Index at last follow-up was 14 compared to 13 at 2.1-year follow-up. The average VAS score for back pain at last follow-up was 2.3 compared to 2.8 at 2.1-year follow-up. Ten patients had resumed their pre-symptom work status. This study demonstrates maintenance of the good clinical and radiological 2.1-year outcome after 5.6-year follow-up with no deterioration of back-pain scores.     

Modified sacrospinalis muscle pedicle bone graft for fusion of isthmic spondylolisthesis

We treated 20 patients with symptomatic L4-5 isthmic spondylolisthesis (ten grade I, nine grade II and one grade III) surgically. All patients complained of low back pain and nine had additional radicular pain. Bilateral posterolateral fusion using the sacrospinalis muscle as a muscle pedicle bone graft was carried out in all patients. Decompression was added in patients with radiculopathy. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 28 months. Pain relief was graded as excellent in 18 patients, radiographic fusion as excellent in 17 patients and functional outcome as excellent in 19 patients.     

Osteoporotic spondylolisthesis: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: A case of spondylolisthesis caused by osteoporosis is described. OBJECTIVES: To describe the different etiologies of spondylolisthesis, and to report a new cause of pathologic spondylolisthesis previously unreported in the literature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The literature on the etiology of spondylolisthesis is reviewed. Pathologic spondylolisthesis has been described with structural abnormalities, such as Paget's disease and tumors, but not with osteoporosis. METHODS: A clinical and radiographic interpretation of the reported case is presented. RESULTS: De Novo development of a spondylolisthesis at L5-S1 occurred by gradual elongation of the pars interarticularis over a period of 3 years. CONCLUSION: The reported case adds to the literature on spondylolisthesis by describing another etiology for this conclusion. Osteoporotic spondylolisthesis may well be identified more frequently in the future given the high prevalence of osteoporosis in the elderly.     

Minimal access bilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis

Purpose

Minimally invasive or “minimal access surgery” (MAS) is being utilized with increasing frequency to reduce approach-related morbidity in the lumbar spine. This paper describes our minimal access technique for posterior bilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and spinal instrumentation in a patient with high-grade spondylolisthesis grade (Myerding Grade III) with 5-year follow-up.

Methods

A 24-year-old lady presented with mechanical back pain and left leg L5 radiculopathy. On examination, she was a thin lady with an obvious step deformity in the lower lumbar spine and otherwise, a normal neurological examination. Imaging showed a grade III isthmic L5–S1 spondylolisthesis with foraminal stenosis and focal kyphotic alignment of 20° [slip angle (SA) = 70°]. Conservative measures had failed, and a decision was made to proceed with a MAS-TLIF approach.

Results

The estimated blood loss was less than 100 ml, operating time 150 min, and post-operative hospital stay was 4 days. Post-operatively the patient had significant improvement of back and radicular pain. Improvement in ODI was substantial and sustained at 5 years. A solid fusion was achieved at 8 months. The slip percentage improved from 68 % (pre-op) to 28 % (post-op) and the focal alignment to 20° lordosis (SA = 110°).

Conclusions

A MAS approach for selected patients with a mobile high-grade spondylolisthesis is feasible, safe and clinically effective, with the added benefit of reduced soft-tissue disruption. Our result of this technique suggests that the ability to correct focal deformity, and achieve excellent radiographic and clinical outcome is similar to the open procedure.