title: Treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis with Schanz recoil screws: our experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Spondylolisthesis surgical treatment is often difficult with higher degree of slip and related techniques still debated. We have taken into consideration double thread recoil Schanz screws. This system should allow the best reduction of the slip, treating only the affected vertebrae.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients affected by grade II or higher spondylolisthesis, treated with circumferential arthrodesis using Schanz screws. Duration of surgery, complications, reduction, and rate of fusion have been recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that duration of surgery and complications were similar or slightly lower if compared to our standard Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion procedures. However, radiological results and clinical outcome appear better in cases treated with Schanz screws.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fixation system with Schanz screws seems to be effective in reducing the slip, treating only the affected level, in high grade of spondylolisthesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy, f.lombardi@smatteo.pv.it.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.forename: Viola Marta
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Custodi
authors.forename: Raffaelino
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pugliese
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Risso
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gaetani
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Butti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013168:Spondylolisthesis / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult