Surgical Treatment of Spondyloisthesis Utilizing Variable Spine Plate(VSP) with Pedicle Screw Fixation

Chung, Yung Khee; Yoo, Jung Han; Song, Baek Yong; Woo, Yong Hwan

Abstract

Thirty-two consecutive patients with spondylolisthesis associated with displacement in varying degrees were operated by the Steffee procedure. Slippings more than Meyerding Grade III were reduced by modified Schollner technique:destabilization of the slipped segement, local distraction with spinal elevator and completion of reduction with a cork screw force pulling backward. Autogenous bone and Pyrost were added to get solid fusion. The authors reviewed thrity-two cases of symptomatic lumbar spondylolisthesis which were operated since March in 1987 at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University and the followings were obtained. 1. There were 17 males and 15 females, and the age of the patients was 44.2 years in average ranging from 19 to 66 years. 2. The types of spondylolisthesis were isthmic defect at 19 levels in 18 cases and degenerative in 14 cases. The level of the lesion was L5-Sl in 17 cases, L4-5 in 15 cases and L2-3 in 1 cases. 3. The clinical symptoms were low back pain, radiating pain, intermittent claudication, and motorsensory deficit in order of incidence. 4. Preoperatively, the degree of slinpping was Meyerding Grade I in 18, Grade III in 12 and Grade Ill in 3 cases. The slipping was reduced to nearly anatomic position in 13 cases and Grade I in 20 cases. The average slipping measured by Taillard method was changed from 23.4% preoperatively to 5% postoperatively. 5. Clinically, the results were judged as excellent in 13(13%) cases, good in 16(50%) cases and fair in 3(9%) cases according to Kim's criteria. 6. Postoperative complications were leg pain in 3 cases and "stress transfer" in 1 cases.