A Comparison of Posterolateral and Posterior Interbody Fusion in the Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

ABSTRACT

From November 1992 to October 1994, 71 patients with spondylolisthesis underwent transpedicular fixation and fusion using VSP system. Two groups of were studied, in order to compare comcomitant posterolateral and posterior lumbar interbody fusion with regard to operating time, blood loss, degree of reduction, fusion rate, clinical results, and complications. Results showed 31 good, 11 fair, and 3 poor in the posterolateral fusion group and 23 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor in the posterior lumbar interbody fusion group. Implant failure occurred in 2 patients and consisted of screw breakage. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with internal fixation provides a highly successful method for maintaining interbody height and obtaining arthrodeis.