European Spine Journal

, Volume 26, Issue 3, pp 679–690 | Cite as

Outcome of L5 radiculopathy after reduction and instrumented transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion of high-grade L5–S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis and the role of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring

  • Ralph T. Schär
  • Martin Sutter
  • Anne F. Mannion
  • Andreas Eggspühler
  • Dezsö Jeszenszky
  • Tamas F. Fekete
  • Frank Kleinstück
  • Daniel Haschtmann
Original Article
First Online:
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Revised:
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Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the incidence and course of iatrogenic L5 radiculopathy after reduction and instrumented fusion of high-grade L5–S1 isthmic spondylolisthesis and the role of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM).

Methods

Consecutive patients treated for high-grade spondylolisthesis with IONM from 2005 to 2013 were screened for eligibility. Prospectively collected clinical and surgical data as well as radiographic outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Patients completed the multidimensional Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) before and at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

Results

Seventeen patients were included, with a mean age of 26.3 (±9.5) years. Mean preoperative L5–S1 slip was 72% (±21%) and was reduced to 19% (±13%) postoperatively. Mean loss of reduction at last follow-up [mean 19 months (±14, range 3–48 months)] was 3% (±4.3%). Rate of new L5 radiculopathy with motor deficit (L5MD) after surgery was 29% (five patients). Four patients fully recovered after 3 months, one patient was lost to neurologic follow-up. IONM sensitivity and specificity for postoperative L5MD was 20 and 100%, respectively. COMI, back pain and leg pain scores showed significant (p < 0.001) improvements at 3 months postoperatively, which were retained up to 24 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Transient L5 radiculopathy after reduction and instrumented fusion of high-grade spondylolisthesis is frequent. With IONM the risk of irreversible L5 radiculopathy is minimal. If IONM signal changes recover, full clinical recovery is expected within 3 months. Overall, patient-reported outcome of reduction and instrumented fusion of high-grade spondylolisthesis showed clinically important improvement.

Keywords

Spondylolisthesis Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring Lumbar fusion Complication Patient-rated outcome 
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Notes

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials and methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2017

Authors and Affiliations

  • Ralph T. Schär
    • 1
    • 4
  • Martin Sutter
    • 2
  • Anne F. Mannion
    • 3
  • Andreas Eggspühler
    • 3
  • Dezsö Jeszenszky
    • 1
  • Tamas F. Fekete
    • 1
  • Frank Kleinstück
    • 1
  • Daniel Haschtmann
    • 1
  1. 1.Spine CenterSchulthess KlinikZurichSwitzerland
  2. 2.Department of NeurologySchulthess KlinikZurichSwitzerland
  3. 3.Department of Teaching, Research and DevelopmentSchulthess KlinikZurichSwitzerland
  4. 4.Department of NeurosurgeryInselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland

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