[Bracket graft arthrodesis in the surgical treatment of spondylolisthesis]

A technique of anterior lumbosacral arthrodesis is described in which a tibial graft is inserted into the sacrum and acts as a bracket against the anterior surface of the fifth lumbar vertebral body. Eighteen patients were treated. There was non-union in four but only two had unsatisfactory clinical results. The technique can be applied to moderate displacement but is particularly appropriate in grade III spondylolisthesis. It does not decrease the stability of the spine. The functional results depend on fusion and are not affected by persistent displacement.