Publication

Abstract : Introduction: Lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with resultant stenosis is a common condition typically seen at L4-L5, in females more commonly than males, and in individuals older than 50 years of age. The slippage is generally due to degenerative changes in the zygapophyseal joints between the 2 vertebrae with accompanying degeneration of the disc at that level. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcome of surgically treated patients and also to evaluate the radiological outcome of surgically treated patients. Methodology: The study was conducted in Metropolitan Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala between August 2006 and January 2008 including 16 patients who were treated surgically for degenerative Spondylolisthesis. Results:The age distribution pattern in our study shows that 75% of the patients are less than 55 Years. The average age of patients is 51 years with standard deviation of 10.41. The male to female ratio of patients undergoing surgical treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis in our study is 1:3. The radiological outcome of fused, partially fused and not fused categories were found in the ratio of 1:2:1. 8 patients have post-operative ODI between 11-20 of which 4 are in fused and 4 in partially fused category.Out of 3 patients with post-operative ODI ≤10, 2 are partially fused and 1 is not fused. Conclusion: Good clinical results can be obtained by augmenting the decompression and fusion procedure with instrumentation.