Surgical Outcomes Following Instrumented Fusion in Low-Grade Spondylolisthesis: A 26-Month Retrospective Analysis

Background: Spondylolisthesis is characterized by the anterior or posterior displacement of a vertebra relative to the adjacent inferior vertebra. Patients with grade I-IV spondylolisthesis are initially treated by conservative measures, but surgical intervention becomes necessary for those with persistent symptoms. Surgical options range from pars repair in spondylosis to various fusion techniques, including instrumented reduction and fusion, or instrumented in situ fusion. The study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of surgical instrumentation in low-grade spondylolisthesis. Methods: This retrospective study included 30 patients with low-grade spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical instrumentation. Pain and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline and follow-up intervals. Results: The baseline mean VAS score of 7.4 improved significantly at 6, 12, and 24 months (P < 0.01). The baseline mean ODI score of 66.8 also improved significantly at these intervals, with a final mean score of 12.51 at 24 months. Complications occurred in 3 patients, including neurological deficits and bone graft retropulsion. Conclusion: Surgical instrumentation leads to significant improvements in pain and function in patients with low-grade spondylolisthesis, offering excellent outcomes for those unresponsive to conservative treatment.