Spondylolisthesis in children under 12 years of age: long-term results of 56 patients treated conservatively or operatively.

Thirty-six girls and 20 boys who were diagnosed with spondylolisthesis of L5 when aged less than 12 years (10 months to 11 years) were reexamined clinically and radiologically at skeletal maturity, 5-30 years (average 14.5 years) later. Thirty-two children were treated operatively: 20 patients by posterior, 10 by posterolateral, and one child by anterior fusion. One patient had laminectomy only. None of the patients treated conservatively had later operative treatment. Clinical symptoms leading to operative or conservative treatment, results of treatment, and radiologic changes are reported. Girls had more severe displacement, earlier worsening of deformity, and more clinical symptoms than boys. The role of growth spurt in progression of the slip is discussed. The importance of regular clinical checks of young children with spondylolisthesis is stressed.