Foraminoplasty with Partial Pediculectomy in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis Cases with Nerve Compression

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Degenerative spondylolisthesis refers to a forward displacement of a vertebra relative to the -nderlying vertebra. Patients with radicular pain and/or neurogenic claudication are considered suitable candi-dates for surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to present clinical results of dynamic stabilization applied after pediculectomy and neural foramen enlargement in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and normal spinal sagittal balance.-MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who under-went pediculectomy and dynamic stabilization for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis were retrospectively iden-tified. Diagnosis was made with detailed neurological and radiological imaging examinations for the anatomical location of the pain. Demographic data, visual analog scale scores, and quality-of-life scores were obtained.-RESULTS: Patients included 3 (33.3%) men and 6 (66.7%) women with a mean age of 61.3 +/- 13.0 years (range, 46e80 years) at initial symptom onset. Grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis was present in 5 (55.6%) patients, and grade 2 was present in 4 (44.4%) patients. Pathology was detected in L4-5 in 4 patients (44.4%) and L5-S1 in 5 patients (55.6%). In all patients, at the 3-month follow-up, statisti-cally significant decrease in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores was observed. At the last follow-up, no implant-related complications requiring revision were observed. -CONCLUSIONS: In patients without any pathology in the sagittal balance, the optimal physiological treatmentmodality can be created by applying posterior dynamic stabilization together with pediculectomy to support the posterior tension band.