Background:

Although direct pars repair using a pedicle screw-rod-hook system has achieved satisfactory results in patients with spondylolysis, its application in adults with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis is rarely reported.

Objective:

To assess the surgical effect of reduction and direct repair surgery with a pedicle screw-rod-hook system combined with autogenous bone grafts in adult patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis.

Methods:

Sixty-four adult patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis underwent reduction and direct repair using a pedicle screw-rod-hook system in our department from September 2009 to April 2018. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by clinical and radiological assessments.

Results:

The average follow-up was 52.15 ± 9.96 months. The visual analog scale (VAS) scores (VAS-lumbar and VAS-leg) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at the final follow-up (FFU) were significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P < 0.05). The modified Prolo score was "excellent" for 60 patients (93.75%) and "good" for 4 patients (6.25%). The slip distance and slipping percentage showed significant decreases postoperatively and FFU compared to preoperatively (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the disc height, slip angle, and range of motion of the surgical intervertebral space or upper intervertebral space between preoperation and FFU (P < 0.05). Successful bony fusion had a 96.86% success rate.

Conclusion:

Reduction of slip and direct repair using pedicle screw-rod-hook fixation combined with autogenous iliac bone grafting in adult patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis is a safe and effective technique.