Traumatic spondyloptosis of L4.

STUDY

DESIGN

Case report of 2 patients with traumatic L4-L5 spondyloptosis.

OBJECTIVE

To report the diagnosis and treatment of the traumatic L4-L5 spondyloptosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traumatic L4-L5 spondylolisthesis is even rarer than traumatic L5-S1 spondylolisthesis. No case of traumatic L4-L5 spondyloptosis (anterolisthesis of Grade V) has been reported. The injury mechanism and surgery management merit more studies.

METHODS

Through the posterior approach, both of the 2 patients underwent the decompression and reduction with pedicle screws. One had the posterolateral fusion and the interbody fusion from L4-L5 whereas the other had the posterolateral fusion from L4-S1.

RESULTS

Complete reduction and fusion were achieved. The neurologic symptoms improved after the surgery. At follow-ups of 1 year and 6.5 years, there was no further slippage of the vertebrae. They were satisfied with the treatment outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Posterior decompression, reduction, internal fixation, and fusion is effective and dependable for traumatic L4-L5 spondyloptosis.