"We aren’t the practice for surgeons who focus exclusively on operating.  We believe strongly that research and education add value to our care."


—Dr. Timothy Garvey

Research

FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME ANALYSIS FOR SURGICALLY TREATED ADULT ISTHMIC SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

Study Design:
Prospective and retrospective outcome analysis following arthrodesis for adult isthmic spondylolisthesis in 31 patients.

Objectives:
To examine whether or not patients having such surgery have a functional improvement in their lives.

Summary of Background Data:
The literature is full of articles concerning adolescent spondylolisthesis, the union rate for adult spondylolisthesis, the ability to reduce deformities, and the outcome of surgery for degenerative spondylolisthesis, but very scant on the post-operative functional outcome of adults with isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Methods:
Functional outcome was analyzed by both preoperative and postoperative SF-36 questionnaires and by four additional functional questionnaires at follow up.

Results:
Statistically significant improvement was seen in six of the eight SF-36 scales. Fifty-five percent of the patients scored in the normal range at follow up compared to none preoperatively.

Conclusion:
Significant functional improvement was seen following surgical arthrodesis of the painful segments in adults with isthmic spondylolisthesis (p=0.001). This study further confirms that such surgery is appropriate for patients failing adequate non-operative treatment.

Authors: 
E. Alexander L’Heureux, JR., MD Joseph H. Perra, MD Manuel R. Pinto, MD Michael D. Smith, MD Francis Denis, MD John E. Lonstein, MD

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