title: Anterior pseudoarthrectomy for symptomatic Bertolotti's syndrome.
abstract: Painful L5/S1 pseudoarthrosis has been previously managed with posterior excision and/or lumbar fusion. To our knowledge, the anterior approach for L5/S1 pseudoarthrectomy in the treatment of Bertolotti's syndrome has not been described. We present two patients with severe symptomatic L5/S1 pseudoarthroses that were successfully excised via an anterior retroperitoneal approach with 2 year clinical and radiological follow-up. The literature regarding surgical treatments for Bertolotti's syndrome is reviewed. The technique for an anterior retroperitoneal approach is described. This approach has been safe and effective in providing long term symptomatic relief to our two patients. Further studies comparing the outcomes of anterior versus posterior pseudoarthrectomy will guide the management of this condition.
authors: Epworth Hospital, Richmond, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Electronic address: gmalham@bigpond.net.au.
authors: Gregory M
authors: GM
authors: Malham
authors: Rebecca J
authors: RJ
authors: Limb
authors: Matthew H
authors: MH
authors: Claydon
authors: Graeme A
authors: GA
authors: Brazenor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Anterior; Bertolotti’s syndrome; Low back pain; Lumbosacral; Surgery