title: Long-term functional and radiographic follow-up of surgically treated isthmic spondylolisthesis.
abstract: We studied patients treated surgically for isthmic spondylolisthesis since 1968, with special emphasis on a detailed functional assessment. We followed up 22 patients for an average of 15 years, with a mean age at time of surgery of 18 years. All patients underwent a thorough physical examination and were evaluated with radiographs at baseline and at follow-up. The functional status of patients at the time of follow-up was assessed with 2 self-report pain and function instruments. All surgical procedures included spinal fusion, 12 of which included internal fixation by using Harrington distraction rods with sacral bars. At final follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference in mean slip percentage or mean slip angle compared with baseline radiographs. Functional evaluation was compared with a control group consisting of 52 patients. We conclude that the long-term radiographic and functional outcome is excellent for patients treated surgically for isthmic spondylolisthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Bernicker
authors.forename: H W
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Kohl
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sahni
authors.forename: S I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Esses
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires