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In situ arthrodesis for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis offers good outcomes
A recent study has shown that individuals who had in situ arthrodesis for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis can have good health, pain and quality-of-life outcomes, with the ability to work for up to 29 years.
The mixed prospective and retrospective case series included 35 of 40 consecutive patients who had in situ spinal arthrodesis for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis at a mean age of 15 years. All participants completed validated questionnaires and underwent a physical examination 29 years after surgery. Mean age at the time of follow-up was 43.
In place of a formal control group, scores on the SF-36 and EuroQol-5 Dimensions questionnaires were compared with Swedish normative data. Additionally, the researchers compared the proportion of patients working with an age-matched control group derived from official Swedish statistics. At long-term follow-up, Million scores were compared with corresponding results at the mid-term follow-up from the same patients at a mean age of 22.
The researchers concluded that young patients undergoing this surgery appeared to have long-term health outcomes and a quality of life similar to that of the general population. Additionally, these patients maintain the ability to work well into middle age, according to the researchers.
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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Joelson A. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.M.00064.