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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
Transtubular Endoscopic Posterolateral Decompression for L5-S1 Lumbar Lateral Disc Herniation
Published on: October 14, 2022
Results of degenerative spondylolisthesis treated with posterior decompression alone via a new surgical approach
T Kinoshita1, I Ohki, K R Roth
1Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Yuki Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.
Object:
The purpose of this study was to assess radiologically demonstrated results and clinical outcomes in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis who underwent posterior decompressive surgery via a new (unilateral) approach. This approach allows surgeons to perform central and bilateral decompression while only stripping the muscles unilaterally, thus preserving the posterior osteoligamentous complexes.
Methods:
The authors evaluated 51 consecutive patients in whom surgery was performed between 1987 and 1996. The mean follow-up period was 4.7 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the pre- and postoperative measurements in percentage of vertebral slippage. Postoperative dynamic angulation statistically decreased compared with its preoperative value (p < 0.05). Improvement of an average of 67% was shown on the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, and in 78% of these patients, good to excellent results were demonstrated. Secondary fusion was required in only three patients (5.9%).
Conclusions:
This new surgical technique offers a potential alternative for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in a minimally invasive manner, avoiding the risk of causing or aggravating postoperative spinal instability.
