Multilevel Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Comparative Study between two Surgical Fusion Techniques

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a common pathology characterized by multilevel disc herniation and lumbar spondylolisthesis, which are difficult to treat. Objectives: The current study aimed to compare the shortterm clinical outcomes of two surgical techniques of management of this pathology. Patients Methods: 40 patients of multilevel lumbar spondylolisthesis were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to the surgical approach used in treatment. Group (A): Were operated upon by posterior decompression, transpedicular screw fixation and posterolateral intertransverse bony fusion. Group (B): was operated upon by posterior decompression, transpedicular screw and transformainal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Results: Statistical significance was reached in terms of surgery time, blood loss, hospital stay, and fusion rates, but there was no significant difference between the two groups as regards the post-operative JOA score and the complication rates. Conclusion: The application of the lumbar interbody cage (TLIF cage) proved to have better fusion rates than inter transverse bony fusion, but still intertransverse bony fusion gives same results regarding postoperative clinical improvement with shorter hospital stay and operative time.