[Surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis with mild displacement by pedicular fixation and posterolateral fusion in adults].

Thirty-two consecutive adults with low-grade spondylolisthesis treated by stabilisation with the AO Internal Fixator and posterolateral fusion have been retrospectively reviewed with a mean follow-up time of 4 years (range, 24 to 71 months). There were 17 grade I and 15 grade II spondylolisthesis. Eight patients had degenerative and 24 patients had isthmic spondylolisthesis. An unisegmental fusion was performed in 4 cases, a bisegmental fusion in 25 cases and 3 patients had a multisegmental fusion. There was one deep infection and one nerve root compromise (3 per 100). Satisfactory results were achieved in 84 per 100 of the patients. There was non-union. This study suggests that transpedicular fixation and posterolateral fusion significantly enhances the rate of solid union to an extent which outweighs the risk of neurological complications due to the screw insertion. Fusion in situ in patients with low-grade spondylolisthesis is recommended as well as nerve root revision for all adults with concomitant radioculopathy. However, this review does not specifically support the use of the AO-internal fixator, but rather that of transpedicular fixation in general.