Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine: a report of three cases.
Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is uncommon and can result in canal narrowing and spinal cord injury. Early decompression promotes recovery of neurological function. We report 3 such cases: one in the lumbosacral joint and 2 in the lumbar spine. The former patient had an open fracture-dislocation and underwent (delayed) posterior decompression and instrumentation without interbody fusion. The connecting rods broke at 3 years and the patient had a residual neurological deficit. We recommend early decompression with posterior instrumentation and interbody fusion for maximum recovery of neurological function and stability of the spine.
Lim
Chin Tat
CT
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University Hospital, Singapore. chintat_lim@yahoo.com.sg
Hee
Hwan Tak
HT
Liu
Gabriel
G
D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed