title: The distraction reduction fixation system and its application in spondylolisthesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An internal fixation apparatus--distraction reduction fixation system (DRFS) was designed to satisfy the clinical needs for spondylolisthesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since 1996, 53 patients were treated with DRFS. Among them, 35 had spondylolisthesis, 12 had lumbar canal stenosis accompanied with instability, 2 had vertebral tumors and 4 suffered from spinal fracture. The average age was 53.6 years old (ranged 24 approximately 72 yrs). The mean time for follow-up was 30.6 months (16 approximately 44 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The slip rate was 0.15 +/- 0.10 before operation, and decreased to 0.09 +/- 0.07 after operation. Entire slip reposition was achieved in 19 cases (54.3%). The change in height of the intervertebral space within the fixation segments was 0.7 +/- 0.17.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DRFS achieved better results for spondylolisthesis less II degree and no other adverse effects were found. Compared with other foreign and domestic techniques, it had advantages in less implants, less operation gears required and ease to utilize in operation. It was proved to be an ideal internal fixation apparatus.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, PUMC Hospital, CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100730.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Q
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Ye
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000601:surgery; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000601:surgery*