Spondylolisthesis of the fourth cervical vertebra is reported in a thirty-four-year-old woman. Only one other case at this level has been found in the literature, but others have been recorded of the sixth cervical vertebra

Spondylolisthesis without a defect in the neural arch, the "pseudo-spondylolisthesis" of Junghanns, usually affects the fourth lumbar vertebra. The essential lesion is an increase in the angle between tile inferior facets and the pedicles which allows subluxation at the inferior joints. The forward displacement averages less than one centimetre. It commonly produces a clinical picture of backache and sciatica, but may present with. a "drop foot," and in unusual instances compression of the cauda euluina may occur. Patients seen in the early stages without signs of nerve root compression are best treated by localised spinal fusion. Late fusion may afford no relief because of secondary changes in the spine, but these patients obtain some benefit from a corset. Laminectomy is indicated for severe symptoms in patients who show signs of nerve root compression; it should be followed by spinal fusion

Aims

The aetiologies of common degenerative spine, hip, and knee pathologies are still not completely understood. Mechanical theories have suggested that those diseases are related to sagittal pelvic morphology and spinopelvic-femoral dynamics. The link between the most widely used parameter for sagittal pelvic morphology, pelvic incidence (PI), and the onset of degenerative lumbar, hip, and knee pathologies has not been studied in a large-scale setting.

Aims

To study the associations of lumbar developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) with low back pain (LBP), radicular leg pain, and disability.

Aims

We compared decompression alone to decompression with fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with or without degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). The aim was to evaluate if five-year outcomes differed between the groups. The two-year results from the same trial revealed no differences.

Aims

The aims of this study were first, to determine if adding fusion to a decompression of the lumbar spine for spinal stenosis decreases the rate of radiological restenosis and/or proximal adjacent level stenosis two years after surgery, and second, to evaluate the change in vertebral slip two years after surgery with and without fusion.

Aims

To determine the effectiveness of prone traction radiographs in predicting postoperative slip distance, slip angle, changes in disc height, and lordosis after surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine.

1. A detailed analysis of the anatomy of spondylolisthesis reveals many causes of serious interference with the nerve roots.

2. These anatomical findings can be correlated with the symptoms.

3. In association with spondylolisthesis, cases of disc prolapse, tuberculosis, and a cauda equina lesion are described.

4. Adequate decompression of the affected nerve root is essential in all cases with sciatica. The operative procedure is described.

5. The problem of arthrodesis will be discussed fully in a separate paper.

1. During a fifteen-year period a clinical, radiological and in some cases a surgical study has been made of 319 patients suffering from spondylolisthesis–that is, forward slipping of one lumbar vertebra on another or forward sagging of the whole lumbar spine in relation to the sacrum.

2. The five etiological factors are described, and the cases are assigned to five groups according to the factor responsible for the slip. In every case slipping is permitted by a lesion of the apparatus which normally resists the forward thrust of the lower lumbar spine–that is, the hook of the neural arch composed of the pedicle, the pars interarticularis and the inferior articular facet engaging caudally over the superior articular facet of the vertebra below.

3. In Group I (congenital spondylolisthesis–sixty-six cases) the lesion is a congenital defect of the facets. In Group II (spondylolytic spondylolisthesis–164 cases) the lesion occurs in the region of the pars interarticularis and is either an elongation of the bone or a break in continuity. There are reasons for thinking that the lesion is caused by stress over a long period rather than by acute injury or by a congenital anomaly of ossification. In Group IV (degenerative spondylolisthesis–eighty cases) the lesion of the facets is degenerative. There are no good grounds for thinking that an abnormality of the angle between the facets and the pedicles is the primary lesion behind the degenerative change.

4. Group III and V comprise few cases. In the former (traumatic spondylolisthesis–three cases) the lesion–a fracture of the neural arch–is caused by a single severe injury. In Group V (pathological spondylolisthesis–six cases) the slipping is caused by weakness of bone from various causes.

5. A full description is given of the etiological and biomechanical features of each group. A special investigation has been made into the etiological factors in degenerative spondylolisthesis.

6. The incidence of involvement of nerve tissues is highest in degenerative spondylolisthesis; the most severe degrees of slip are found in congenital spondylolisthesis.

A study of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in 142 children and adolescents is reported. In twelve of the seventy-nine patients followed for over a year the affected vertebra slipped further by 10 per cent or more. Increasing slip occurred mainly during the adolescent growth spurt, and was greater when spinal bifida or other vertebral anomalies were present. If at presentation the slip is less than 30 per cent then further slip beyond 30 per cent is unlikely. Decompression posteriorly is advised when signs of nerve pressure are present. Indications for spinal fusion are suggested; the intertransverse method of fusion was used in sixty-nine patients.

1. The clinical experience of fourteen cases of traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis is described.

2. Evidence is presented which suggests that vertical compression and extension forces are frequently involved.

3. Treatment is based on recognition of the deforming force and its extent.

4. Primary treatment of unstable lesions by the coronally placed bone dowel of Barbour allows early stabilisation and long-term security.

5. The increased antero-posterior diameter of the axis explains the low incidence of spinal cord damage.

6. Skull traction is considered illogical in that it runs parallel in effect to the most deadly form of judicial hanging.

7. Secondary stability following injury may allow continuing force to fracture the spine at other levels.

8. The paradox of an extension injury between the second and third cervical vertebrae and a "flexion" injury at a lower level is discussed.

1. Four out of five patients with spondylolisthesis, four-fifths of whom were seen at least five years after operation, had their symptoms relieved after posterior spinal fusion.

2. In a small series of patients treated by anterior spinal fusion, the results were less successful.

A method of repairing the defect in spondylolisthesis by internal fixation with screws and bone grafting is described. Sixteen patients have been operated upon with only one failure. In two cases the spine was re-explored for incidental complications and the defect was found to have fused solidly.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is most common at the L4/L5 level and in women. There are several possible reasons for its predilection at this site, but there is no satisfactory explanation for the predominance in women. We considered that pregnancy was a possible influence.

We reviewed the records and radiographs of 949 women and 120 men aged 50 years and over who had attended a spinal surgeon for low back pain over a five-year period. We found that women who had borne children had a significantly higher incidence of degenerative spondylolisthesis than nulliparous women (28% v 16.7%; p = 0.043). The men had a 7.5% incidence, significantly less than nulliparous women (p = 0.031). Our results suggest that pregnancy is an important factor in the aetiology of degenerative spondylolisthesis.

We investigated the spinopelvic morphology and global sagittal balance of patients with a degenerative retrolisthesis or anterolisthesis. A total of 269 consecutive patients with a degenerative spondylolisthesis were included in this study. There were 95 men and 174 women with a mean age of 64.3 years (sd 10.5; 40 to 88). A total of 106 patients had a pure retrolisthesis (R group), 130 had a pure anterolisthesis (A group), and 33 had both (R+A group).

A backward slip was found in the upper lumbar levels (mostly L2 or L3) with an almost equal gender distribution in both the R and R+A groups. The pelvic incidence and sacral slope of the R group were significantly lower than those of the A (both p < 0.001) and R+A groups (both p < 0.001). The lumbar lordosis of the R+A group was significantly greater than that of the R (p = 0.025) and A groups (p = 0.014). The C7 plumb line of the R group was located more posteriorly than that of the A group (p = 0.023), but was no different from than that of the R+A group (p = 0.422). The location of C7 plumb line did not differ between the three groups (p = 0.068). The spinosacral angle of the R group was significantly smaller than that of the A group (p < 0.001) and R+A group (p < 0.001).

Our findings imply that there are two types of degenerative retrolisthesis: one occurs primarily as a result of degeneration in patients with low pelvic incidence, and the other occurs secondarily as a compensatory mechanism in patients with an anterolisthesis and high pelvic incidence.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1244–9.

1. An enterogenous cyst lying in the cauda equina opposite the third lumbar vertebra, and associated with spina bifida occulta of the fifth lumbar vertebra and spondylolisthesis of the fifth lumbar on the first sacral vertebra, is described in a man aged thirty-five suffering from chronic low back pain and sciatica.

2. Current embryological theories concerning the formation of intraspinal enterogenous cysts from primitive gut cells are further substantiated by the features of this case.

We describe a patient with a traumatic spondylolisthesis of L5 and multiple, bilateral pedicle fractures from L2 to L5. Conservative treatment was chosen, with eventual neurological recovery and bony union. We are not aware of previous reports of this pattern of injury.

We investigated the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and disc degeneration in young adult patients with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. A total of 229 men with a mean age of 21 years (18 to 26) with spondylolytic spondylolisthesis were identified. All radiological measurements, including pelvic incidence, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, sacral inclination, lumbosacral angle (LSA), and sacrofemoral distance, were calculated from standing lateral lumbosacral radiographs. The degree of intervertebral disc degeneration was classified using a modified Pfirrmann scale. We analysed the spinopelvic parameters according to disc level, degree of slip and disc degeneration.

There were significant positive correlations between the degree of slip and pelvic incidence (p = 0.009), sacral slope (p = 0.003) and lumbar lordosis (p = 0.010). The degree of slip and the LSA were correlated with disc degeneration (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was also a significant difference between the degree of slip (p < 0.001) and LSA (p = 0.006) according to the segmental level of disc degeneration.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1239–43.

This review shows that inter-body spinal fusion can be achieved in a satisfying percentage of cases, and the assertion that there is an intrinsic factor peculiar to the vertebral bodies which prevents such a fusion cannot be supported. The operation has a limited but definite place in the field of spinal surgery, and should be reserved for those patients with spinal instability associated with intractable and persistent backache. Spondylolisthesis is the indication par excellence. A new operative technique, which has been developed during ten years, has become standardised. The trans-sacral approach provides a better and safer exposure than those described before. In the event of failure of inter-body fusion, it is suggested that further attempts at grafting should be restricted to one of the posterior methods which have a 75 per cent chance of producing successful bony fusion. Clinical photographs are reproduced in Figures 16 to 18 to show that patients suffering from a painful spondylolisthesis may be restored to normal activity by this operation

Aims

We reviewed 34 consecutive patients (18 female-16 male) with isthmic spondylolysis and grade I to II lumbosacral spondylolisthesis who underwent in situ posterolateral arthodesis between the L5 transverse processes and the sacral ala with the use of iliac crest autograft. Ten patients had an associated scoliosis which required surgical correction at a later stage only in two patients with idiopathic curves unrelated to the spondylolisthesis.

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate improvements in the quality and safety of paediatric spinal surgery following the implementation of a specialist Paediatric Spinal Surgical Team (PSST) in the operating theatre.

Aims

We compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of using a polyetheretherketone cage with (TiPEEK) and without a titanium coating (PEEK) for instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Aims

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF) has been well validated in overweight and obese patients who are consequently subject to a higher radiation exposure. This prospective multicentre study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel lumbar localisation system for MITLIF in overweight patients.

Back pain is a common symptom in children and adolescents. Here we review the important causes, of which defects and stress reactions of the pars interarticularis are the most common identifiable problems. More serious pathology, including malignancy and infection, needs to be excluded when there is associated systemic illness. Clinical evaluation and management may be difficult and always requires a thorough history and physical examination. Diagnostic imaging is obtained when symptoms are persistent or severe. Imaging is used to reassure the patient, relatives and carers, and to guide management.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:717–23.

Human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells have an important role in the repair of musculoskeletal tissues by migrating from the bone marrow into the injured site and undergoing differentiation. We investigated the use of autologous human serum as a substitute for fetal bovine serum in the ex vivo expansion medium to avoid the transmission of dangerous transfectants during clinical reconstruction procedures.

Autologous human serum was as effective in stimulating growth of bone-marrow stem cells as fetal bovine serum. Furthermore, medium supplemented with autologous human serum was more effective in promoting motility than medium with fetal bovine serum in all cases. Addition of B-fibroblast growth factor to medium with human serum stimulated growth, but not motility. Our results suggest that autologous human serum may provide sufficient ex vivo expansion of human bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells possessing multidifferentiation potential and may be better than fetal bovine serum in preserving high motility.

Whether to combine spinal decompression with fusion in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis remains controversial. We performed a cohort study to determine the effect of the addition of fusion in terms of patient satisfaction after decompressive spinal surgery in patients with and without a degenerative spondylolisthesis.

The National Swedish Register for Spine Surgery (Swespine) was used for the study. Data were obtained for all patients in the register who underwent surgery for stenosis on one or two adjacent lumbar levels. A total of 5390 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and completed a two-year follow-up. Using multivariable models the results of 4259 patients who underwent decompression alone were compared with those of 1131 who underwent decompression and fusion. The consequence of having an associated spondylolisthesis in the operated segments pre-operatively was also considered.

At two years there was no significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two treatment groups for any of the outcome measures, regardless of the presence of a pre-operative spondylolisthesis. Moreover, the proportion of patients who required subsequent further lumbar surgery was also similar in the two groups.

In this large cohort the addition of fusion to decompression was not associated with an improved outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:960–5.

Increasing numbers of posterior lumbar fusions are being performed. The purpose of this study was to identify trends in demographics, mortality and major complications in patients undergoing primary posterior lumbar fusion. We accessed data collected for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for each year between 1998 and 2008 and analysed trends in the number of lumbar fusions, mean patient age, comorbidity burden, length of hospital stay, discharge status, major peri-operative complications and mortality. An estimated 1 288 496 primary posterior lumbar fusion operations were performed between 1998 and 2008 in the United States. The total number of procedures, mean patient age and comorbidity burden increased over time. Hospital length of stay decreased, although the in-hospital mortality (adjusted and unadjusted for changes in length of hospital stay) remained stable. However, a significant increase was observed in peri-operative septic, pulmonary and cardiac complications. Although in-hospital mortality rates did not change over time in the setting of increases in mean patient age and comorbidity burden, some major peri-operative complications increased. These trends highlight the need for appropriate peri-operative services to optimise outcomes in an increasingly morbid and older population of patients undergoing lumbar fusion.

We retrospectively examined the prevalence and natural history of asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis in patients treated surgically for cervical compressive myelopathy in order to assess the influence of latent lumbar canal stenosis on the recovery after surgery. Of 214 patients who had undergone cervical laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy, we identified 69 (32%) with myelographically documented lumbar canal stenosis. Of these, 28 (13%) patients with symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis underwent simultaneous cervical and lumbar decompression. Of the remaining 41 (19%) patients with asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis who underwent only cervical surgery, 39 were followed up for ≥ 1 year (mean 4.9 years (1 to 12)) and were included in the analysis (study group). Patients without myelographic evidence of lumbar canal stenosis, who had been followed up for ≥ 1 year after the cervical surgery, served as controls (135 patients; mean follow-up period 6.5 years (1 to 17)). Among the 39 patients with asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis, seven had lumbar-related leg symptoms after the cervical surgery.

Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that 89.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 75.3 to 96.0) and 76.7% (95% CI 53.7 to 90.3) of the patients with asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis were free from leg symptoms for three and five years, respectively. There were no significant differences between the study and control groups in the recovery rate measured by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score or improvement in the Nurick score at one year after surgery or at the final follow-up.

These results suggest that latent lumbar canal stenosis does not influence recovery following surgery for cervical myelopathy; moreover, prophylactic lumbar decompression does not appear to be warranted as a routine procedure for coexistent asymptomatic lumbar canal stenosis in patients with cervical myelopathy, when planning cervical surgery.

We examined the reliability of radiological findings in predicting segmental instability in 112 patients (56 men, 56 women) with a mean age of 66.5 years (27 to 84) who had degenerative disease of the lumbar spine. They underwent intra-operative biomechanical evaluation using a new measurement system. Biomechanical instability was defined as a segment with a neutral zone > 2 mm/N. Risk factor analysis to predict instability was performed on radiographs (range of segmental movement, disc height), MRI (Thompson grade, Modic type), and on the axial CT appearance of the facet (type, opening, vacuum and the presence of osteophytes, subchondral erosion, cysts and sclerosis) using multivariate logistic regression analysis with a forward stepwise procedure. The facet type was classified as sagittally orientated, coronally orientated, anisotropic or wrapped.

Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that facet opening was the strongest predictor for instability (odds ratio 5.022, p = 0.009) followed by spondylolisthesis, MRI grade and subchondral sclerosis. Forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression indicated that spondylolisthesis, MRI grade, facet opening and subchondral sclerosis of the facet were risk factors. Symptoms evaluated by the Short-Form 36 and visual analogue scale showed that patients with an unstable segment were in significantly more pain than those without. Furthermore, the surgical procedures determined using the intra-operative measurement system were effective, suggesting that segmental instability influences the symptoms of lumbar degenerative disease.

Bertolotti’s syndrome is characterised by anomalous enlargement of the transverse process(es) of the most caudal lumbar vertebra which may articulate or fuse with the sacrum or ilium and cause isolated L4/5 disc disease.

We analysed the elective MR scans of the lumbosacral spine of 769 consecutive patients with low back pain taken between July 2003 and November 2004. Of these 568 showed disc degeneration. Bertolotti’s syndrome was present in 35 patients with a mean age of 32.7 years (15 to 60). This was a younger age than that of patients with multiple disc degeneration, single-level disease and isolated disc degeneration at the L4/5 level (p ≤ 0.05). The overall incidence of Bertolotti’s syndrome in our study was 4.6% (35 of 769). It was present in 11.4% (20 patients) of the under-30 age group.

Our findings suggest that Bertolotti’s syndrome must form part of a list of differential diagnoses in the investigation of low back pain in young people.

A review of the current literature shows that there is a lack of consensus regarding the treatment of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis in children and adolescents. Most of the views and recommendations provided in various reports are weakly supported by evidence. There is a limited amount of information about the natural history of the condition, making it difficult to compare the effectiveness of various conservative and operative treatments. This systematic review summarises the current knowledge on spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis and attempts to present a rational approach to the evaluation and management of this condition in children and adolescents.

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.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of retrievable inferior vena cava filters in high-risk orthopaedic patients. A total of 58 patients had a retrievable inferior vena cava filter placed as an adjunct to chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, most commonly for a history of previous deep-vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, polytrauma, or expected prolonged immobilisation. In total 56 patients (96.6%) had an uncomplicated post-operative course. Two patients (3.4%) died in the peri-operative period for unrelated reasons.

Of the 56 surviving patients, 50 (89%) were available for follow-up. A total of 32 filters (64%) were removed without complication at a mean of 37.8 days (4 to 238) after placement. There were four filters (8%) which were retained because of thrombosis at the filter site, and four (8%) were retained because of incorporation of the filter into the wall of the inferior vena cava. In ten cases (20%) the retrievable filter was left in place to continue as primary prophylaxis. No patient had post-removal thromboembolic complications.

A retrievable inferior vena cava filter, as an adjunct to chemical and mechanical prophylaxis, was a safe and effective means of reducing the acute risk of pulmonary embolism in this high-risk group of patients. Although most filters were removed without complications, thereby avoiding the long-term complications that have plagued permanent indwelling filters, a relatively high percentage of filters had to be left in situ.

Between January 1990 and December 2000 we carried out 226 SB Charité III disc replacements for lumbar disc degeneration in 160 patients. They were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 79 months (31 to 161) to determine the clinical and radiological outcome. The clinical results were collected by an independent observer, who was not involved in patient selection, treatment or follow-up, using a combination of outcome measures, including the Oswestry Disability Index. Pain was recorded using a visual analogue score, and the most recent radiographs were reviewed.

Survival of the device was analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method and showed a cumulative survival of 35% at 156 months when radiological failure was taken as the endpoint. The mean improvement in the Oswestry disability index scores after disc replacement was 14% (6% to 21%) and the mean improvement in the pain score was 1.6 (0.46 to 2.73), both falling below the clinically significant threshold. Removal of the implant was required in 12 patients, four because of implant failure.

These poor results indicate that further use of this implant is not justified.