Anterior Interbody Fusion in Spondylolisthesis

Kim, Nam Hyun; Choi, Chong Hyuk

Abstract

Spondyliolisthesis is the major structural changes in the spine and is more directly related to the low back pain syndrome. The many operative techniques have been used but each of them had several disadvantage as well as advantage. Since the anterior lumbar fusion in spondylolisthesis was introduced by Carpener in 1932, many authors have reported the favorable results regard to anterior arthrodesis in spine. Ideally the system of spine fixation is mechanically efficient and anatomical restoration of deformed structure. The anterior interbody fusion is more satisfactory to this deal fixation of spine than any other surgical method. We reviewed the cases of fifty seven patients who underwent anterior interbody fusion with autoiliac bone grafts for spondylolisthesis and were followed for one to twelve years. 1. The most common type was isthmic type in 61% and the degenerative type was observed in 25%. 2. The fifty lumbar vertebra slipping was observed most commonly and in two patinets, L4 and L5 vertebra slipped simultaenously. 3. In radiological results, we obtained complete fusion of grafts to vertebra in 73%, incomplete fusion in 15% and absorption of graft noticed in seven patients(12%). 4. We obtained the favorable results in 84% patients clinically. 5. The clinical results was not correlated with roentgenografic evidence of union. 6. Anterior discectomy and arthrodesis with autoiliac bone graft was a safe procedure in grade I and II spondylolisthesis but in grade III, the procedure was not recommended. 7. The simple Knight-Kim back brace was satisfactory to immobilization after anterior interbody fusion without graft union failure.