Circumferential fusion for spondylolisthesis in the lumbar spine.

There are many options for the surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis, including anterior and posterior techniques. Among the most versatile is a 360 degrees fusion. In consideration of the added risk of morbidity of two procedures, circumferential fusion leads to the highest fusion rates. This is particularly useful for patients at high risk for pseudarthrosis, such as patients with diabetes, posttransplant recipients, and those in whom fusion procedures have failed. Likewise, a 360 degrees fusion may also be useful in achieving fusion in biomechanically disadvantageous situations, such as at the L5-S1 level or with high-grade subluxation. The options for 360 degrees fusion are many and are determined, among other factors, by surgical pathology and surgeon preference. Standard open techniques are still considered the gold standard, although newer less invasive methods of circumferential fusion are being used more frequently. The operating surgeon must have a thorough knowledge of all available maneuvers for critical and effective decision making.