title: The use of primary internal fixation in spondylolisthesis.
abstract: A prospective randomized study was designed to examine differences in the primary fusion rate between two surgically treated groups of patients with spondylolisthesis. Twenty-seven patients underwent L5 laminectomy (Gill procedure) and L5 nerve root decompression. Fourteen patients (group I) underwent in-situ posterolateral fusion, thirteen patients (group II) received internal stabilization with the Steffee plate and screw system. All patients were followed for a minimum of two years. Ten of fourteen (72%) patients treated with non-instrumented fusion went on to union. Ten of thirteen (78%) patients treated with internal fixation achieved union. No statistically significant increase in the primary fusion rate occurred with addition of internal fixation compared to non-instrumented posterolateral grafting alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: McGuire
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Amundson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011542:Pseudarthrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D012086:Reoperation; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome