Clinical and radiological outcomes of gradual reduction and circumferential fusion of high-grade spondylolisthesis in adolescents: a prospective cohort study of 29 young patients

Aim The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel technique of formal reduction and circumferential fusion for pediatric high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS). Purpose The safety and efficacy of formal reduction for high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) has never been thoroughly examined. This study reports the outcomes of 29 children with HGS who underwent a procedure of gradual reduction and circumferential fusion. Methods 29 children (13 males, 16 females) were recruited between 2006 and 2010. Radiographic measurements (including % of slip, lumbosacral angle—LSA, pelvic incidence—PI, pelvic tilt—PT, sacral slope—SS, and proximal femoral angle—PFA) and quality of life assessment (SRS-22 questionnaire) were prospectively obtained at baseline and at the last post-operative follow-up (> 2 years post-op). Radiological measurements were used to classify patients according to the Spine Deformity Study Group (SDSG) classification. Results Mean baseline slip % was 69.9 ± 16.5%. There were 13 patients with a balanced pelvic (SDSG Type 4) and 16 with an unbalanced pelvis (SDSG Type 5 and 6). On average, a reduction of 45.5 ± 15.3% (range 20–86%) was achieved safely with no major complication. In particular, of the 29 patients, only 3 had a L5 radiculopathy postoperatively that was self-resolved at follow-up. From a radiological standpoint, we observed a mean improvement of LSA from 80.3 ± 17.9° to 91.7 ± 13.6°. We also observed a statistically significant improvement in global HRQOL, and in the function and body image domains. Conclusion This prospective study suggests that formal reduction of HGS followed by circumferential fusion is safe when using a standardized surgical technique based on gradual reduction. Performing this intervention could also help improve QOL in some patients.