Scoliosis associated with lumbar spondylolisthesis: a case presentation and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The association between scoliosis and spondylolisthesis is well documented, but criteria and methods for managing the deformity in patients with debilitating pain are not clear.

PURPOSE: To describe correction of scoliosis by internal fixation of the spondylolisthesis.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report of a patient with scoliosis developing in association with spondylolisthesis.

METHODS

A 17-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of back and leg pain. No spinal curvature was noted in radiographs taken at the onset of symptoms. Significant curvature appeared during the 6-month history of pain in association with an L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. The spondylolisthesis was repaired with posterior pedicle screw instrumentation.

RESULTS

The pain and the spinal curvature almost completely resolved after surgery, and the outcome remained excellent 14 months after surgery.

CONCLUSION

In the properly diagnosed patient, surgical repair of the spondylolisthesis can relieve pain and correct spinal curvature.