New Computed Tomography-Based Classification of Spondylolisthesis due to Pars Defect and Comparison with Meyerding...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Imaging

Background:

• Spondylolisthesis classification is crucial for treatment planning.
• Existing grading systems like Meyerding grades (MGs) have limitations.
• A novel classification based on pars defects is proposed.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce a new classification for spondylolisthesis: pars listhesis grade (PLG).
• Compare PLG with MGs.
• Assess PLG's reliability, applicability, and clinical significance.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed 205 lumbar CT scans of patients with pars defects.
• Defined PLG based on the anterior displacement of the pars neck relative to the inferior articular process line.
• Correlated PLG with MGs and analyzed clinical data (VAS, ODI, SF-36).

Main Results:

• Moderate correlation between PLG and MGs (r=0.46).
• High intra- and interobserver reliability for PLG (0.84-0.97).
• Higher PLG grades correlated with increased pain and disability.

Conclusions:

• Pars listhesis grade (PLG) offers a reliable new grading system for spondylolisthesis.
• PLG is especially valuable for classifying low Meyerding grades.
• PLG demonstrates significant clinical implications for patient outcomes.