OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the decompression and posterolateral arthrodesis in degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients whose main symptom is neurogenic claudication. METHODS: We selected 21 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who were referred for surgical treatment. 8 men and 13 women between aged 36 and 77 years were evaluated. The standardized surgical procedure was posterolateral arthrodesis with instrumentation and decompression associated. Patients were evaluated by VAS, Oswestry Disability Index and Roland-Morris questionnaire preoperatively, with one month, six months, one year, and two years of follow up. Data were analyzed statistically with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The most frequently operated level was L4-L5 with 52.38%. VAS had significant improvement of 53.48% 6 months after the procedure. The Oswestry Disability Index showed a worsening in the first month, with improved capacity until the sixth month, remaining constant until the end of follow up. According to the Roland-Morris Disability questionnaire there was a significant progressive improvement up to six months and, finally, a slight worsening. CONCLUSION: Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent posterolateral instrumented fusion and decompression showed significant improvement in quality of life and pain after two years of monitoring.
Spondylolisthesis; Spinal fusion; Low back pain; Questionnaires; Joint instability; Patient satisfaction
