I recently co-authored an article on a spine surgery procedure for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.  One of the co-authors of this article was Thomas Reilly, MD, also a spine surgeon with Indiana Spine Group.  This abstract entitled, Trans-vertebral Trans-sacral strut grafting for high-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis L50SI with fibular allograft, can be viewed by linking here. 

Spondylolisthesis refers to a condition where one vertebra slips forward out of alignment over the vertebrae directly beneath it.  This most commonly occurs in the lumbar (lower) back.  With Isthmic Spondylolisthesis, there are small stress fractures in the spine, which causes the vertebrae to weaken increasing the risk of slipping. 

 

To determine the severity of spondylolisthesis, a grading system is used which measures how much the vertebrae has slipped over the bone below it.  This grading system is technically called the Meyerding Classification System. 

 

This study was conducted on patients who had grade III to grade IV (51% or greater slippage).  The purpose of this study was to measure the outcomes of a spine surgery technique for high-grade spondylolisthesis.  In conclusion, this technique did provide excellent spine fusion results, good clinical outcomes  and prevented further progression of lumbosacral kyphosis.