Sleep and Quality of Life Before and After Surgery in Patients With Low-Grade Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

BACKGROUND Spondylolisthesis, characterized by anterior displacement of a vertebra, often leads to pain and impaired sleep quality, negatively affecting overall quality of life. While postoperative outcomes in degenerative spinal conditions such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis have been widely studied, evidence focusing on sleep quality in homogeneous cohorts of patients with low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis remains scarce. This study evaluated changes in sleep quality, pain, quality of life, and functional capacity before and after surgery in this patient population. MATERIAL AND METHODS This prospective observational study included 55 patients who underwent posterior decompression and instrumented fusion surgery for low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were administered preoperatively and on the 90th postoperative day. RESULTS All evaluated parameters showed significant postoperative improvements. VAS, PSQI, and ODI scores decreased markedly, indicating effective pain relief, better sleep quality, and improved functional capacity (all P<0.001). EQ-5D-3L scores increased significantly (P<0.001), reflecting enhanced overall quality of life. Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent benefits across spondylolisthesis types and grades, with male patients exhibiting greater improvements in quality-of-life measures. CONCLUSIONS Surgery for low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis yields substantial benefits, extending beyond pain control to improvements in sleep quality, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. These findings underscore the role of surgical treatment as a reliable option for patients unresponsive to conservative management and highlight its positive impact on both physical recovery and psychosocial well-being.