title: Traumatic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis: report of three cases and a review of the literature.
abstract: The literature reports that traumatic spondylolisthesis of L5 is an uncommon lesion. The authors report their experience of three cases of this particular fracture-dislocation of the lumbosacral spine. They stress the importance of certain radiographic signs in the diagnosis: namely, the presence of unilateral multiple fracture of the transverse lumbar apophysis. As far as the treatment is concerned, they state the need for an open reduction and an internal segmental fixation by posterior approach. A preoperative MRI study appears mandatory in order to evaluate the integrity of the L5-S1 disc. In the event of a traumatic disruption of the disc, they state the importance of posterior interbody fusion by means of a strut graft carved from the ilium or, in case of iliac wing fracture (which is not uncommon in these patients), by means of interbody cages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Padua University School of Medicine, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fabris
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Costantini
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Nena
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lo Scalzo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D011859:Radiography; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*