[Lumbar spondylolisthesis and nerve-root compression. Surgical experience with 19 cases without spinal fusion...

The clinical picture presented by cases of lumbar Spondylolisthesis with radicular symptoms appears to be due to displacement of the intervertebral disc. In spondylolisthesis of the fourth lumbar vertebra the fourth and/or the fifth roots are involved, in slipping of the fifth vertebra the fifth lumbar and/or the first sacral roots. The mechanisms of the radicular involvement are discussed. Surgical treatment entails decompression of the nerve roots by a less destructive method than Gill's (6, 7) without spinal fusion. The results are satisfactory.