Technique for achievement and maintenance of reduction for severe spondylolisthesis using spinous process traction wiring and external fixation of the pelvis.

A technique is described for achievement and maintenance of reduction for severe spondylolisthesis in conjunction with reconstructive surgery. Spinous-process traction wires exert a posterior and cephalad force on the lumbar spine, while Hoffman pins anchored to the ilium rotate the sacrum in an anterior and caudad direction. Once maximum reduction is achieved, the patient is kept supine for 3 months with pins and traction wires incorporated in a plaster cast. At follow-up, two patients demonstrated excellent correction of slip angle and a solid fusion.