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Study Design: Retrospective radiologic analysis., Objective: The aim was to investigate if lateral flexion-extension radiographs identify additional cases of degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis (DCS) that would be missed by obtaining solely neutral upright radiographs, and determine the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis., Summary of Background Data: DCS and instability can be a cause of neck pain, radiculopathy, and even myelopathy. Standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and MRI of the cervical spine will identify most cervical spine pathology, but spondylolisthesis and instability are dynamic issues. Standard imaging may also miss DCS in some cases., Methods: We compared the number of patients who demonstrated cervical spondylolisthesis on lateral neutral and flexion-extension radiographs in addition to MRI. We used established criteria to define instability as ≥2 mm of listhesis on neutral imaging, and ≥1 mm of motion between flexion-extension radiographs., Results: A total of 111 patients (555 cervical levels) were analyzed. In all, 41 patients (36.9%) demonstrated cervical spondylolisthesis on neutral and/or flexion-extension radiographs. Of the 77 levels of spondylolisthesis, 17 (22.1%) were missed on neutral radiographs ( P ,0.05). Twenty levels (26.0%) were missed when flexion-extension radiographs were used alone ( P =0.02). Twenty-nine levels (37.7%) of DCS identified on radiograph were missed by MRI ( P =0.004)., Conclusions: Lateral flexion-extension views can be useful in the diagnosis of DCS. These views provide value by identifying a significant cohort of patients that would be undiagnosed based on neutral radiographs alone. Moreover, MRI missed 38% of DCS cases identified by radiographs. Therefore, lateral radiographs can be a useful adjunct to neutral radiographs and MRI when instability is suspected or if these imaging modalities are unable to identify the source of a patient's neck or arm pain., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Study Design: A prospective cohort., Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a scoring system for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis (LDS) that would guide decision-making., Background: The management protocol for LDS has been under debate, with no guidelines. Most studies oversimplify LDS as a homogenous entity., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 131 patients who underwent surgery for LDS between July 2007 and October 2011 with a minimum follow-up of 3 years was carried out on the basis of clinical, radiologic, and technical factors. A scoring system was conceptualized. Clinical: back pain score-2, age younger than 70 years-1, high-demand activity-1. Radiologic: segmental kyphosis-1.5, segmental dynamic translation-1, disk height >50% of adjacent level-1, facet effusion-1, sagittal facet-orientation-1. Technical: feasibility to decompress without causing instability-1.5. Its reliability was ascertained by a univariate analysis. The benchmark was set at 5.5 according to the Youden Index. This was followed by a prospective study for reliability analysis between November 2011 and January 2017 of 52 patients who underwent stand-alone decompression in LDS with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index and the Visual Analog Scale. Interobserver variability was determined. None of the patients in the retrospective or prospective group had undergone any lumbar surgery previously., Results: The mean Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analog Scale of both the groups in the retrospective and the stand-alone decompression groups in prospective studies showed significant improvement. The interobserver reliability was high, with a κ value of 0.847., Conclusions: The proposed scoring system helps view LDS as a heterogenous condition and assists in tailoring treatment for individual patients. For a select subgroup of patients with LDS, minimally invasive decompression (unilateral laminotomy and bilateral decompression using a minimally invasive surgery tubular retractor system) without fusion is adequate., Level of Evidence: Level III.

Study Design: Surgeon survey., Objective: To examine factors influencing surgeons' definition of instability in grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) and assess treatment preferences for both stable and unstable DS., Summary of Background Data: DS treatment options are broadly classified as decompression with or without fusion. In surgical decision-making, "instability" is frequently considered as a key factor. However, no consensus on the definition of instability exists., Methods: A survey was conducted to ascertain the minimum amounts of static translation, dynamic translation, and angulation change that surgeons considered significant for determining instability. The importance of other clinical and radiographic features were also assessed, and respondents' standard treatment for stable and unstable DS., Results: Out of 226 respondents, 99% deemed dynamic translation moderately to extremely influential for determining instability, whereas only 55% found static translation as important. The most prevalent cut-off values for dynamic (57%) and static translation (32%) were at least 2-4 mm and for angulation change at least 10-15 degrees (43%). Facet angulation was considered moderately to extremely important to determine instability by 69% of the surgeons, disk height by 67%, patient age by 64%, severity of stenosis by 55%, severity of back pain by 50%, patient-reported function by 49%, pelvic incidence by 47%, and severity of neurogenic claudication by 42%.Decompression with fusion was the preferred treatment method for unstable DS in 99% of the respondents. For stable DS, 40% would still perform fusion, whereas 60% preferred treatment with decompression-alone. Those who preferred fusion for stable DS reported significantly lower thresholds for static (P<0.001) and dynamic translation (P=0.004) for their determination of instability., Conclusions: Clear consensus regarding the definition of instability does not exist. Dynamic translation is the most agreed-upon parameter of influence. Treatment preferences vary for stable DS, but for unstable cases there is broad consensus to perform fusion., Level of Evidence: Level II.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study., Objective: The objective was to prove the association between anatomic pelvis parameters and specific types of lumbar spinal degeneration., Summary of Background Data: Different spinopelvic sagittal profile types are suggested to be associated with specific degenerative lumbar spine pathologies. Because pelvic morphology plays a key role defining the spinal shape as well as its load and function it thereby potentially predisposes the development of spinal degeneration., Materials and Methods: Patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal degeneration who were surgically treated in 2 spine departments from March 2011 until August 2016 were included in this retrospective analysis. Single-level degenerative pathologies were classified as lumbar disc herniation (LDH), degenerative disc disease (DDD), lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), and degenerative spondylolisthesis (DSPL). The constant anatomic pelvic parameters pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic radius (PR), and sacral table angle (STA) were assessed in lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine and compared between the pathologies., Results: In total, 249 patients were assigned to the LDH (n=73), DDD (n=67), LSS (n=42), and DSPL (n=67) groups. Group comparisons revealed significant differences in the anatomic pelvic parameters PR (LDH, 139.5±10.8 mm; DDD, 135.9±14.0 mm; LSS, 127.8±14.3 mm; DSPL, 135.8±12.7 mm; P<0.001), PI (LDH, 53.1±10.0 degrees; DDD, 50.0±9.9 degrees; LSS, 54.5±9.6 degrees; DSPL, 57.1±10.8 degrees; P=0.001), and STA (LDH, 95.3±12.7 degrees; DDD, 105.4±9.0 degrees; LSS, 105.9±11.5 degrees; DSPL, 98.6±9.5 degrees; P<0.001). Post hoc tests indicated significant differences between the PR of the LSS group and that of all other subgroups (P<0.012), the PI of the DDD group and that of DSPL (P<0.001), and the STA of the LDH/DSPL groups and that of the LSS/DDD group (P<0.005)., Conclusions: We found all the constant anatomic parameters to be specific for distinct types of degeneration, suggesting pelvis shape is a predisposing factor for their development., Level of Evidence: Level III.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical study., Objective: We aimed to introduce new parameters that can better describe the pelvic morphology and lumbosacral segmental deformity in children with high-grade spondylolisthesis of the L5 vertebra: modified pelvic incidence (mPI) and modified lumbosacral angle (mLSA). Also, we aimed to establish the mLSA as a convenient, reliable measurement method and criteria to evaluate the reduction of L5 vertebral slippage., Summary of Background Data: Numerous parameters and methods exist to evaluate segmental deformity and reduction of L5 vertebral slippage, but no definitive standard for accurately and conveniently describing lumbosacral kyphosis and degree of reduction exists., Methods: A total of 24 children with high-grade spondylolisthesis (S group) and 152 children without spondylolisthesis (non-S group) underwent standard lateral radiography of the spine in our hospital between June 2009 and June 2014. We compared mPI and mLSA between the S and non-S groups. The agreement and repeatability of mPI and mLSA were also assessed. Preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 scores were compared to assess clinical outcomes in the S group. The correlations between modified parameter applications and clinical outcomes were also assessed., Results: While mPI did not differ between groups, mLSA differed significantly. In the non-S group, mLSA was lordotic (25.51±6.41 degrees). In the S group, mLSA was kyphotic (25.85±5.17 degrees) before surgery and lordotic (20.74±7.04 degrees) postoperatively. The agreement and repeatability of mPI and mLSA were good, and clinical outcomes of the S group were satisfactory. Positive correlations were found between modified parameter applications and the improvement rates of JOA scores., Conclusions: mPI and mLSA can better describe the pelvic morphology and local deformity of pediatric high-grade L5 spondylolisthesis, and mLSA can serve as a useful index for correcting lumbosacral kyphosis, rebalancing the sagittal spinal profile and predicting clinical outcomes.

Study Design: A retrospective study., Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationships between degenerative spondylolisthesis in the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5-DS) and radiographic parameters and to further determine the radiographic predictors of the development of L5-DS., Summary of Background Data: Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) is a common degenerative disease of the spine; however, the correlations between L5-DS and radiographic parameters remain controversial., Patients and Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted in our hospital. Between 2011 and 2014, a total of 84 subjects with L5-DS were enrolled in the DLS group, and 56 healthy volunteers were recruited to the control group. A series of radiographic parameters, including the bone mineral density, disk degenerative index, disk height, L5 vertebral size (L5-VS), lumbar lordosis angle (LL), sacral slope angle (SS), pelvic incidence (PI), facet joint angulations (FJA) of the cephalad and caudad portions, and asymmetry of the FJA, were measured in both groups by 3 examiners., Results: The bone mineral density, disk degenerative index, disk height, L5-VS, LL, SS, PI, and FJA exhibited significant differences (P=0.014-0.045) between the DLS and control groups. Significant changes in the FJA of the cephalad and caudad portions in the L4-L5 and L5-S1 segments were observed between the 2 groups (P=0.00, 0.00), whereas no significant differences in the asymmetries of FJA were observed in the L4-L5 or L5-S1 segments (P=0.605-0.972). Among all of the parameters, the L5-VS (P=0.025), SS (P=0.020), LL (P=0.031), PI (P=0.014), and FJA (P=0.022) were identified as being associated with the DLS group by multiple logistic regression analysis., Conclusions: In this study, SS, LL, PI, and a more sagittal FJA were proven to be risk factors for L5-DS, whereas L5-VS was found to be a likely protective factor against L5-DS. These parameters should be considered predictors of L5-DS.

Study Design: Retrospective clinical study., Objective: To investigate the relationship between the restoration of the lumbar lordosis (LL) and the surgical outcome of patients undergoing spinal fusion for low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis., Summary of Background Data: Correlation between low back pain and the loss of LL in the treatment of low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis has seldom been reported., Methods: Between May 2005 and July 2011, 59 patients with low back pain and neurogenic claudication due to low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis underwent spinal decompression and fusion by a senior surgeon. Ten patients were lost to follow-up. The mean age of the remaining 49 patients (10 men and 39 women) was 64.0 years (range, 47-88 y). Patients were categorized on the basis of the spino-pelvic posture: type 1 [pelvic incidence (PI)<45 degrees] (n=12), type 2 (45 degrees≤PI≤60 degrees) (n=24), and type 3 (PI>60 degrees) (n=13). The LL restoration ratio was calculated by the actual LL divided by the predicted LL. The clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale and the Oswestry Disability Index. Postoperative 36-inch spinal films were used to assess the sagittal balance., Results: The mean follow-up period was 43.2 months (range, 28-62 mo). Forty-eight patients showed significant improvement with respect to visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index regardless of whether the LL was restored higher or lower. Postoperative 36-inch spinal films showed the C7 plumb line to be within an average of 4.4 cm (range, 0.6-5.6 cm) from the posterior-superior corner of the S1 vertebrae., Conclusions: Patients with smaller PI tended to be restored higher, and those patients with a larger PI were more likely to be restored lower. For patients with normal sagittal balance, the surgical outcomes in the treatment of low-grade lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal fusion are not correlated with restoration of the LL.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis is common in elderly patients. When symptomatic, the resultant neurogenic claudication often leads to a diminished quality of life. A nonsurgical approach is an appropriate first step. Maximizing the chance of a solid arthrodesis improves the possibility of a successful long-term outcome. Treatment of this pathology has evolved over the past twenty years with the publication of numerous prospective randomized trials assessing the influence of fusion and instrumentation following decompression. Current prospective trials have evaluated the use of bone morphogenetic proteins as a substitute for autogenous bone graft. Recently, soft-tissue stabilization devices have been advocated as an alternative to fusion. Clinicians should critically evaluate these newer technologies and exercise caution regarding their use until controlled long-term trials are completed.

This is the first case report of a child with isthmic spondylolisthesis and discitis who had spontaneous fusion develop at an unstable level with relief of symptoms after nonoperative treatment. Although the blood culture was negative, the 14-year-old boy with Grade III isthmic spondylolisthesis of L5 was diagnosed with discitis at the L5-S1 level, based on clinical findings, elevated C-reactive protein, plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging scans. The patient was treated with antibiotics for 19 weeks and bed rest for 4 weeks followed by immobilization in a hip spica cast for 8 weeks and a thoracolumbosacral orthosis for an additional 12 weeks. The lumbar back pain improved and there was a decrease in C-reactive protein to the normal range 3 weeks after onset. Forty months from onset, the patient was free from lumbar back or leg pain and his clinical neurologic examination was normal. Plain radiographs showed spontaneous fusion between L5 and the sacrum. This suggests that nonoperative treatment is acceptable even if discitis occurs at an unstable level.

Magnetic resonance imaging has revolutionized the noninvasive evaluation of degenerative disc disease and its complications. Compared with computed tomography and computed tomographic myelography, magnetic resonance allows specific determination of the nature of disc protrusions and other degenerative related soft tissues about the spine. Magnetic resonance offers the most complete evaluation of specific degenerative disorders including degenerative facet disease, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, spontaneous lumbar epidural hematomas, and juvenile discogenic disease.

Fifteen patients with bilateral lumbar isthmic spondylolisthesis and unilateral sciatica were examined with magnetic resonance imaging. All patients had a disc protrusion at the level of the spondylolisthesis. Nine patients had a central herniated disc that caused dural sac deformation; in 6 of these patients there was extension to the disc tissue into the foramen. In 5 patients there was no clear dural sac deformation, but there was a foraminal disc protrusion that caused nerve root compression. In 1 patient there was a hernia lateral to the foramen. In none of the patients was there evidence of compression by bony elements. No abnormalities on adjacent levels were found. All 15 patients were treated with chemonucleolysis. There were no complications. A followup study was done after 19 months (range, 10-42 months). The result was rated as good or excellent in 10 of 12 patients with a spondylolisthesis of L5 and in 1 of 3 patients with a spondylolisthesis of L4. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a decrease in dural sac deformation in 4 patients, no clear decrease in 3, and a slight increase in 2. There were no distinct foraminal changes in 9 of 11 patients.

One hundred and seventy consecutive multiple trauma victims were studied postmortem by radiography and direct inspection at autopsy for the presence of cervical spine injuries. Of the total 38 fractures and/or dislocations, eight had bilateral pedicle fractures of the axis. Only atlanto-occipital dislocations were more frequently encountered. Dissection of six of the eight spines with hangman's fractures showed variable osseous and ligamentous injuries. In only two of the eight cases were significant ligamentous structures sufficiently intact to prevent gross displacement on flexion and extension. In three of the specimens complete laceration of the upper cervical spinal cord was found. Unstable hangman's fractures are a common fatal cervical spine injury in multiple trauma victims.

There are three factors which determine the volume of the spinal canal, its lateral recesses and the intervertebral canals; the developmental size; the level cephalad and caudad of the vertebral column; the multiple acquired conditions which may cause encroachment. The causes of narrowing in spondylolisthesis are characteristic of each type. Three common groups are mentioned, congenital, isthmic and degenerative and the nature of obstruction and its appropriate treatment is described in each case.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is one important type of spinal stenosis. The spinal canal stenosis varies in degree. This is the result of anterior slipping of the whole vertebra, usually L4 on L5. The clinical picture is not greatly different from that observed in the other types of lumbar canal stenosis. The surgical management involves decompression of the cauda equina by laminectomy. Often this is associated with arthrectomy to decompress the nerve roots. Extensive excision of the neural arch may result in further spinal instability for which spinal fusion is generally advisable.

In 26 cases, spondylolisthesis was reduced and stabilized by an intervertebral graft in a new one-step surgical procedure. A critical review of various techniques presently in use illustrates the evolution of the one-stage operation. A most recent modification of the operation is open reduction and internal fixation by a combination of Harrington instrumentation and the posterior intervertebral arthrodesis of Cloward.